Catasauqua head wrestling coach Joe Russo figured his team would face a monumental task when they locked horns with Saucon Valley in the semifinal round of the Colonial League team championships Monday night.

Unfortunately, they did in a 55-15 loss to the second-ranked team in the state.

“We knew what Saucon had,” said Russo. “They are one of the top teams in the state. I thought our guys wrestled hard and didn’t give up, which is how they have been all season.

“Jaryn (Hartranft) had a really close match, losing in sudden victory. He will see that opponent again maybe a few times before the season ends.”

Hartranft, a senior, lost to Cale Markle at 145, marking only the third time he has lost this season (30-3, 19 falls). He recently recorded his 100th career victory.

Senior Cole Brown and freshman Jon Cordone Pinto both picked up forfeits at 132 and 126 respectively. Brown raised his mark to 19-11, and Cordon Pinto evened his record at 14-14.

Senior Stewart Oakley notched the other Rough Rider victory with a 5-0 decision at 285.

The fourth-seeded Roughies will wrestle in the second round of the District 11 team championships Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. when they will meet the winner of Monday’s Tri-Valley-Palisades match that will begin at 6 p.m. Both matches will be at Catty.

Russo is looking forward to the challenge even with a gaping hole in his lineup.

“We haven’t wrestled either this season,” noted Russo. “I think we can get it done against both of them. Unfortunately, we won’t have Cole Brown in the lineup. He has a family activity, and that will make it tougher.”

If the Roughies win, they likely will face a rematch with top-seeded Saucon Valley Saturday morning in the semifinals at Freedom.

“They are tough,” stressed Russo. “I would love to get to that match. It provides a good chance for a few of the guys to get another look at a few of those guys they will see at districts.”