Three games into the season, Catasauqua has found a new identity, one that has started to resemble another one nearly 10 years ago.

The Roughies’ 3-0 mark is their best since the 2013 season in which they won a district title and dated back to 2009 when former head coach Tom Falzone took over and began to reshape the program.

Their 42-6 victory over Marian Catholic was another convincing victory, but head coach Travis Brett has taken everything in stride.

“It was a good win for us,” said Brett “We had a good overall effort, and we had a good ground game.

“We need to open up our passing game more.”

The Roughies accumulated 199 yards rushing behind the running of Elijah Soler, Hunter Reitz, and Antonie Huniscker

Solar led all rushers with 103 yards on 10 carries with a pair of touchdowns, Reitz had 48 yards on three carries and a score, and Hunsicker added 35 yards with a pair of touchdowns. Reitz sustained a knee injury and is doubtful for this week.

“We were able to run the ball thanks to the great job our line is doing up front,” added Brett. “We have been doing a solid job on the ground.”

Quarterback Christian Fye completed four of five passes for 90 yards with a touchdown, and backup Aiden Hess saw some action.

However, Brett had some concerns.

“Fye got flushed out of the pocket a few times,” he said. “Some stuff we had didn’t work as well. We want to ramp up our passing game.”

The Roughies continue to receive a staunch and consistent effort on the other side of the ball. Their defense limited Marian to 111 yards of total offense, only 24 yards rushing.

In three games, Catty has allowed a total of 21 points.

He credited Soler, Huniscker, Dylan Pocheco, Miles Melendez, Gabe Toth, and Javier Sobrato for their efforts.

“Our defense was fantastic,” stressed Brett. “We moved some people around. Soler and Hunsicker did a great job at linebacker, and Pacheco, Martinez, Toth, and Sobrato have been very quick up front.”

“Martinez and Pocheco get the job done at 140 and 150 pounds.”

The Roughies will try to keep the season unblemished when they travel to Panther Valley (0-1) Friday night. Panther Valley is coming off a 41-0 loss to Palmerton.

“They have a nice size quarterback, and their offense is similar to ours with the H back,” said Brett. “If we can pressure their quarterback, we can lock them down.

“We like our chances.”

PREDICTION: Brett indicated Reitz would likely sit the game out with a key game against Palmerton next week. Sobrato tweaked his knee, and his presence will be a game-time decision. Catty has benefitted from their schedule , as they will face their third straight winless opponent.

However, don’t sell the Roughies short. They are playing with confidence and cohesion, and a litmus test with Palmerton looms. There is the threat of looking ahead, but Brett has his club disciplined and focused. Another productive night ahead..CATTY, 40-12