With the start of training camp now here, first-year Catasauqua head football coach Joe Henrich has tempered his expectations.

The Rough Riders are coming off a 6-6 season last year, one that took them to the district Class 2A semifinals. Over the past few years, they had been a regular postseason participant.

But this upcoming season, the Roughies will be in a rebuilding/transition campaign due to the loss of a number of key players who were in the mix.

Henrich, who had registered an overall 67-41 record with four district title in 10 years at Bethlehem Catholic, has considerably slowed the pace this season.

Yet, he has seen progress along the way.

“Summer was a great opportunity for us to come together as a team,” said Henrich. “We began to build the culture we want, develop chemistry, and began to really install our systems.

“We learned a lot, but we still have a lot to learn. I was pleased with our attitude and effort, and look forward to building on it when we [began] Aug. 5.”

Earlier this summer, the Roughies went to Souderton to participate in a 7-on-7 passing camp, and they tangle with Tamaqua.

“It went as expected,” added Henrich. “There were some good moments and some not so good. It takes time to really learn how we want them to play the game.

“In all, I thought we showed positive signs. We learned a little bit about different kids and now we can hone in on what we need to do when camp starts.”

The Roughies will scrimmage Pleasant Valley before they open the season at home against Mahanoy Area Aug. 23. They then will hit the road against Wilson and Palisades before they return home against Salisbury.

From there, they will travel to Saucon Valley and Jim Thorpe before they will host Northern Lehigh and Pen Argyl. The Roughies will end the season at Palmerton.

“We’ll have a better idea when camp starts,” said Henrich. “But we will keep working.”