Aiden Hess made his first varsity start at quarterback last week for Catasauqua, and he wasn’t surprised about its total effect.

“I was pretty nervous to start the game, but I knew I had to break the ice and get into a rhythm,” said the junior. “I started connecting with my receivers, and after my first touchdown pass, I felt very comfortable and confident in the pocket.”

Hess surely did.

He threw five touchdown passes in his debut and the season opening 48-22 victory over Northern Lehigh. Hess tied the mark for touchdown passes in a game that also is shared by Zack Bradley and Andrew Brett.

Against Northern Lehigh, Hess completed 11 of 17 attempts for 208 yards. He will remember this game for a while.

“I would say that it was definitely up there for one of my better games in my career so far,” said Hess. “I expect to keep the same energy throughout the year.”

Playing quarterback also has been customary.

“I have been a quarterback all my life, and I can say that it is a difficult position,” added Hess. “But I love it. I have been playing football my whole life, and I started in flags. I grew to love the game more as the years passed on.”

Head coach Travis Brett has little hesitations about Hess’ potential.

“He has been in the system for three years now, and he has a really good understanding about what to expect,” said Brett. “He had a really good summer and worked hard all offseason. He threw the ball well and made plays with his feet as well. He looked comfortable back there, and out the ball on the money all night. He didn’t try to do too much and made the right reads.”

In the early going, Hess will be tested. The Rough Riders have a crucial showdown when they host Palmerton Friday night, as the Blue Bombers’ senior all-state quarterback candidate Mike Macahalik – who accounted for 350 yards of total offense with five touchdown passes last week – will be on the other sideline.

“Palmerton is a very different team, and we will have to take a different approach to them as they pass way more than Northern Lehigh,” said Hess. “But I have all the confidence in my defense, and I am confident we will win this game.

“It all starts at practice, and we have a lot to work on and prepare for.”