Football is officially back at Catasauqua.

Under the recently released Colonial League schedule, the Rough Riders will open a six-game schedule at Palmerton Sept. 25.

The PIAA gave the green light to fall sports August 21, and it designated that school districts should decide whether or not to pursue the schedule. School administration officials along with athletic director Tom Moll decided to move forward with the seasons.

First-year head coach Travis Brett was relieved.

“It most definitely was good to hear,” said Brett. “The big key now for us and very other program is to stay healthy. If we have one player who contracts (coronavirus), we will have to shut down for two weeks.

“But we are excited to play. There will be some teams we can compete against and other schools that are much bigger than us. It is what it is right now.”

After their Palmerton game, the Roughies will travel to Pen Argyl for a Saturday afternoon tilt (Oct. 3), and then return for their home opener against Notre Dame Oct. 9. Their remaining schedule is at Southern Lehigh (Oct. 16) and home against Wilson (Oct. 23) and Northwestern (Oct. 30).

“We believe we can compete with Wilson and Pen Argyl, although Wilson had some pretty big linemen last year,” said Brett. “Notre Dame and Southern Lehigh will be tough, and Northwestern will be loaded again.”

Brett believes an early win can be a decision turner for the season. Last season, the Roughies had an 0-11 campaign, are 1-21 over the past two seasons.

“Our first win will be important to us,” he stressed. “We can get some confidence early, and it will show the kids that they can compete. We need to get into the win column over the first couple of weeks.”

Brett was pleased with their “heat week,” and has been satisfied with their development.

“The kids have been great,” he said. “We had a good ‘heat week,’ and they are ready for the challenges they will face.”

Brett indicated freshman Nasir McLean will get the start at quarterback after he guided the middle school team to consecutive undefeated seasons. It came as no surprise, as Brett guided the middle school team for six seasons.

“He’s a very intelligent quarterback,” said Brett of his budding signal caller. “He’s very familiar with the stuff that we ran in the past.

“He’s an excellent student, and he can easily adapt to the offense. He’s an outstanding athlete, and we feel very confident with him.”

Sophomores Anthonie Hunsicker, and junior Elijah Solar return in the backfield, and freshman Hunter Reitz should see time. Senior Austin Brett will be the main target at wide receiver.

Up front, seniors Mason Hess, Ty Monahan, and Doug Scott help solidify the unit, and freshmen Miles Melendez and Chad Beller and sophomore Javier Sobrado are in line for spots.

Brett noted the Roughies likely will have a scrimmage over the next few weeks before their opener.

“Our kids have been working hard for two months,” said Brett. “We seem to have a good chemistry, and we’re looking forward to the season.”