Catasauqua’s success on the football field this season has been due its execution.

Unfortunately, their failure to execute in some games has led to a tragic downfall. Such was the case in their recent playoff game at Palmerton.

The Rough Riders couldn’t find their rhythm in a 47-7 opening-round, semifinal District 11 Class 2A playoff game at Palmerton last Saturday night.

With the defeat, the Roughies fell to 7-4 overall and will await archrival Northampton on Thanksgiving morning.

“We had a good game plan for them,” said Roughies’ head coach Travis Brett. “We just didn’t execute.

“As coaches, it was out of our hands. They just didn’t come to play. We probably had the best week of practice all year.”

Palmerton (9-2) moved out to a 35-0 lead at the half behind their running attack, which accounted for 299 of their 396 total yards.

Running back James Denicola, who rushed for 74 yards, scored third consecutive touchdowns on the ground and also returned a punt 30 yards for a score in the first half. Quarterback Mike Machalik was the Blue Bombers’ leading rusher with 130 yards and two touchdowns.

Catty’s defense against the run has been their Achilles’ heel all season.

“We knew they had a good running game,” said Brett. “We had our guys in the right spots, but we just didn’t wrap guys up.”

Offensively, the Roughies managed just 119 yards of total offense and had five first downs. Running back Elijah Soler led the team with 87 yards on 11 carries.

Backup quarterback Aiden Hess accounted for the Roughies’ lone score when he hit Wyatt Younes on a 59-yard touchdown pass. Starter Christian Fye completed three of 11 passes for 19 yards.

“Fye has a rough game,” said Brett. “We just couldn’t get going on offense. It is just hard to explain.”

Brett stated the team will practice three days this week and then have a full week next week. The team will primarily concentrate on weight training and conditioning.

“We’re happy with our season,” added Brett. “It has been a learning experience for the kids, and we’ll get ready for Northampton.”