Catasauqua head football coach Travis Brett wasn’t happy.

He watched his football team commit too many turnovers that would eventually result in a 20-17 overtime loss to Palisades in a crucial game in the district bracket last Friday at Alumni Field.

With the loss, Catty (5-4) – its first in their last six games – dropped to the fourth and final spot of the District 11 Class 2A bracket. Palisades (7-2) clinched the Colonial/Schuylkill League White Division. The Pirates also further positioned themselves to take the top spot in the bracket.

Catty saw a 14-0 lead as well as the game’s momentum quickly disappear.

“It’s really frustrating,” lamented Brett. “The kids really put a lot of work into this game. We really shot ourselves in the foot.

“We missed a field goal that could have put us up 17-0 at halftime. We had two blocked punts and lost two fumbles. That’s a lot. We had a drop in the end zone in the first half that could have given us a 21-0 lead.

“They tried to shut our running game down, but we had a good night throwing the ball. We know we can throw the ball if we have to.”

Brett defended his choice to go for a field goal in overtime instead of trying to score.

“We talked it over and we asked the kids,” he said. “We thought going for the field goal was the best choice. I still think it was. We couldn’t stop them, but basically we beat ourselves.”

Despite the loss, Brett thinks his team is the elite of the bracket.

“I think we are the best team in 2A,” said Brett. “We know we can beat them if we face them again. We just have to play four quarters.

“They didn’t have a passing game, and we shut down their running game. Our line played really well in the first half, and then they made some adjustments.”

Next up for the Rough Riders is their final regular season game at Salisbury Friday. The Falcons (0-9) are coming off a 35-7 loss to North Schuylkill.

“From what I have seen on film, we shouldn’t have trouble with them,” added Brett. “For us, it is about how we come out after this game.”

Brett expects to have a rematch with Palisades. He especially would love his team to play the Pirates in the district championship. Executive Education and Williams Valley are currently seeded second and third in the bracket.

“We know we will likely see them again,” said Brett. “We could play them in a first-round game, but it will depend on what happens with Executive Education and Williams Valley.

“We have to go out and take care of business with Salisbury, and then we’ll see what happens.”

NOTES AND PREDICTION: Salisbury quarterback Nick Beck had thrown for 186 yards and rushed for 347 yards, and he has been their main offensive threat ... Quarterback Christian Fye completed 10 of 22 for 194 yards, and running back Anthonie Hunsicker ran for 125 yards on 12 carries, one a 60-yard touchdown ... For the season, Fye has completed 56 of 128 for 746 yards with eight touchdowns and four interceptions. Wide receiver Wyatt Younes has caught a team-high 27 receptions for 279 yards with two touchdowns. Fellow receiver Ian Juica has 18 catches for 375 yards with six touchdowns ... Catty is averaging 22 points per game while allowing 15. The Roughies’ defense has allowed 190 yards per game, 115 on the ground and 74 through the air ... Brett expects Executive to pick up a Class 3A opponent to play this week to help raise their position in the bracket. If they would and win, Executive could either move to the number two spot or even pass Palisades. He also sees them playing a Saturday game in districts ... Brett won’t let his team come out flat against Salisbury, and the Roughies should close out strong. The Roughies still have to figure out their punt blocking, as they have suffered eight blocked punts this season ... Roughies will come out strong and close this out early. Coach Snyder can stop at the Bethlehem Dairy Store and pick me up a CMP sundae and store it in his freezer. While he is in the neighborhood, he can also stop at Carl’s and pick us up some cheesesteaks on coach Steve Bradley’s tab ... ROUGHIES, 48-6.