Catasauqua nearly initiated the mercy rule in their recent home court, 70-43 rout of Philadelphia Academy Charter in the opening-round PIAA Class 3A state playoff game.

Yet, head coach Eric Snyder knows their task ahead will be a challenging one.

The Rough Riders (19-10) met District 3 runner-up Lancaster Mennonite (22-4) at Governor Mifflin High Scholl in Shillington Wednesday evening, which is after Press deadlines.

Lancaster Mennonite downed Lansdale Catholic, 57-39, in the opening–round state game. The Blazers had been the District 3 four-time defending district champions before they lost to Trinity in the final. They were the state 2023 Class 2A champions.

The Blazers are led by guard Chase Hurst and Cody Fisher along with post player Bill Rothwein. Hurst had 15 points and six rebounds and Rothwein had 15 points and nine rebounds against Lansdale Catholic.

“They are very good team,” said Snyder. “They have won a number of district titles and also have done well in the state playoffs. They have a good big man (Rothwein), and also a couple of good guards.

“This will be a big test for us.”

Against Philadelphia Academy Charter, Frankie Pujols had a game-high 26 points and Reece Lopez added 16 points. Matt Fotta and Jeremiah Cofie both continued to play well down low.

“Frankie had a quiet 26 points,” said Snyder. “I thought he had about 18. He just went about his business and got the job done. Reece had a good game for us. He has been shooting better lately, and he can be a big threat.

“Fotta and Cofie have been doing a tremendous job on the boards. They both are really rebounding well.”

Snyder was impressed with the community support in their gym.

“It was neat to see the place packed,” said Snyder. “It was a great atmosphere for the kids and everybody. It wasn’t standing room only, but it was sold out and loud. It also was great to so many of the ex-players who came back.

“We had a number of players like Josh Yoo, Dave Andrews, Tommy Armellino, Tim Superka, and even Jalen Nichols made the trip from Tennessee. It was a day of the past, present, and future.”

If they win, the Roughies will meet the winner of the Audenreid Charter-Holy Cross game Saturday. Catty last won a state game in 2006, and they advanced to the state semifinals against Trinity – the same school that recently beat Lancaster Mennonite in the District 3 final – in 1997.

Whatever the outcome, it has been a fun ride.

“We always thought this team could go far,” added Snyder. “They finally started believing, and they are playing like it.”