As a senior lineman, Jacob Ramos knew this season would be a rebuilding and retooling year for the Rough Riders, as they lost a number of starters from their 6-6 team from a year ago that also won a district playoff game. The team also adjusted to a new head coach.

The Roughies recently concluded their regular season with a 3-7 record, dropping seven consecutive games in the process. They will prepare for their annual Thanksgiving Day clash with Northampton.

Yet, Ramos still sees plenty of positives from the season as well.

“No, I don’t see this season as a failure,” stressed Ramos. “Yes, it didn’t go the way we have planned, but I wouldn’t say it was a failure. Despite all the losses, we still had a good year and there was some improvement with players.”

Ramos had eye lid surgery in August, and he had additional surgery during the season, which caused him to miss a game. He believed he stayed on track.

“I handled this season pretty well with my surgery and I had another surgery midseason as well which made me miss a game,” he said. “There was a lot of growth this season, these coaches we have are great they have made us tough on and off the field.”

Catty began the season with a 3-0 record, besting Mahanoy Area, 47-34 in their opener. They followed with a 24-14 win over Wilson and edged Palisades, 22-14.

Their downslide began when they came up on the short side of a 42-25 loss to Salisbury.

Ramos saw the slump as matter of deviating from their team chemistry.

“I’d say we weren’t able to keep up the 3-0 streak because there were games where we didn’t play as a team and that’s on us,” stated Ramos. “We also had to deal with some midseason injuries which hurt us.

Ramos is anxious for the Thanksgiving Day game, and he plans to pursue a career as an electrician after high school. He also will wrestle again in the winter after he began the sport last year.

Head coach Joe Henrich has been impressed with Ramos.

“Jacob has taken on a leadership role with the team,” said Henrich. “He has been someone the kids look up to, and I have been impressed with his attitude.”

Overall, Ramos is glad to be a Roughie.

“Despite the record, despite the score, there is no other team I would’ve done it with and I’m grateful for each and every one of them,” he said