One of the best kept football secrets in the Lehigh Valley is in Catasauqua.

The Rough Riders are off to a 2-0 start for the first time since the 2013 season in which they won a district title.

They thumped host Pen Argyl, 42-15, last Saturday, a game in which they held a 42-0 lead at halftime. In their opener, the Roughies blanked Salisbury, 6-0, in a game that was played over two days due to a suspension from a storm.

Catty (2-0) also is the lone undefeated team in the District 11 Class 2A bracket.

It is a start that has taken head coach Travis Brett back a bit.

“A little bit,” replied Brett. “I didn’t think we would be as dominant as we have been. The kids are really getting after it.

“Our passing game is opening up more. We have a lot of athletes, and the kids are playing with a lot of confidence. Our line has been playing well on both sides of the ball.”

Quarterback Chrstian Fye completed five of seven passes for 171 yards with three touchdowns. For the season, Fye has completed 11 of 18 passes for 246 yards with four touchdowns and an interception.

“He has a fantastic game,” said Brett about Fye. “He was able to spread the ball around, and he has been great in the pocket. He isn’t afraid to run, and that poses another threat for us.

“He has had two good games for us.”

On the ground, Hunter Reitz rambled for 60 yards and a pair of scores, Elijah Soler carried 13 times for 59 yards, and Anthonie Hunsicker added 36 yards on seven carries.

Hunsicker, a junior, has watched his team reach a new level.

“I thought we played extremely well and everything fell into place with how we worked together,” he stated. “Once we started rolling, all of the tension going into the game dissipated. Our backs ran the ball hard, our receivers got open, Fye threw the ball very well, and our line on both sides had a huge impact on the game.”

The Roughies will have their opening “home” game Friday night against Marian Catholic at Northampton. Renovations at Alumni Field are expected to be completed in mid-October.

Marian -- led by legendary head coach Stan Dakotsky -- is off to a 0-2 start, and has dropped games to Schuylkill Haven (21-6) and Minersville (20-0).

“They haven’t shown much,” offered Brett about his next opponent. “They will throw the ball a lot and probably come out in a 4-3 on defense.

“It looks like a good matchup for us. We will be looking to keep it rolling.”

PREDICTION: The Roughies will play their first crossover game in the new Colonial/ Schuylkill format. Marian again is a young team, and Dakotsky has had trouble getting them back on their winning ways of the past.

Catty’s opening game victory was huge, and it has helped set the table. The Roughies are healthy and confident. Their blowout win over Pen Argyl proved and convinced themselves that they are a legitimate contender. Brett sees the real challenge ahead with Palmerton in Week 5. Their winning ways have rejuvenated the community for the first time in nearly 10 years.

Until then….ROUGHIES 38-7.