Moments after his team ended its shortened regular season with a recent 37-6 win at Catasauqua, Northwestern head coach Josh Snyder realized what his team accomplished on its way to districts. The Tigers capped a 5-0 regular season and earned a spot in the district playoffs. But more importantly, they made it through a season that just a few months ago was an uncertainty.

“We’re happy to be here and get through COVID,” said Snyder. “We missed a week, but our kids hung in there. We battled through the season, and it is a real credit to our athletic director, training staff and everyone who was involved.

“It gives us a good feeling as we head to districts. We managed to set the pace early against them.”

Third-seeded Northwestern (6-1), who will host Lehighton Friday night in a District 11 Class 4A quarterfinal, wasted little time gaining control over Catasauqua (1-5) early, as the Tigers took advantage of a pair of turnovers that helped stake them to a 16-0 first quarter advantage.

Quarterback Justin Holmes found Cade Christopher for a 12-yard score, and he then connected for a 63-yard stretcher to Ryan McDowell. Andres Garrido booted a 25-yard field goal, and the Tigers were rolling.

“Recently, we wanted to get off to a fast start,” said Snyder. “There have been too many games when we were down 7-0. That was one of our main goals, and the kids went out there and did it.”

Holmes, who threw for 100 yards and ran for 103, also was appreciative of having the chance to play and extend the season. His 44-yard dash on the fourth play of the second half proved to be the back`breaker at 23-0 with just over 10 minutes left in the third quarter.

With 886 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns coupled with 1,077 passing yard with 15 touchdowns, Holmes has overcome some personal obstacles.

“I was struggling at the beginning of the season, and I knew I had too many interceptions,” he said. “But I have gained more confidence and have become more comfortable as the season went on.

“We’re all grateful just to be playing, and I feel we’re playing pretty well now. We’re starting to come together to be the team we thought we would be.”

Running back Nick Henry had touchdown runs of seven and 45 yards as part of an 110-yard effort, also enjoyed the moment and relished his team’s stance.

“We know what this mean much more this year,” said Henry about his team’s district berth. “We just feel fortunate to be here. We knew we have been starting slow, and we came out and figured out what they showed us. This was a good team effort for us.”

Along with a steady offensive stream from Holmes and Henry, the Tigers clamped down on Catasauqua’s offense, allowing them just 84 total yards. Evan Anderson and Wyatt Ledeboer each had an interception.

The Tigers had given up 28 points in each of their previous three contests.

“Our defense stepped up and played outstanding,” said Snyder. “They’re getting better and better as a unit and doing their assignments.

“This was a good game to take us into districts.”