It would have been easy for the Palmerton wrestling team to overlook Northwestern.

The Tigers were, after all, giving up seven forfeits.But Palmerton coach David Lavin made sure his squad was prepared, regardless of the circumstances.That poise and focus paid dividends, as the Bombers picked up a 54-24 Colonial League win over the Tigers."It doesn't matter if you're going against a full lineup or not, you're wrestling one guy," Lavin said afterwards. "And for the guys that wrestled, that's what we stressed - don't take anyone for granted just because the team is down a little bit. They (Northwestern) are a very tough team, but they have some holes with injuries right now."Palmerton's Josh Evans (145) and Zack Christman (152), who combined for 56 wins a year ago, continued their winning ways this season, with each picking up dominant victories by fall. Evans now sits at 17-1 on the season while Christman holds a record of 16-3.Zachary Graver, a state qualifier a year ago for the Bombers (6-5) as a sophomore, won by forfeit to run his record to 12-0 this season."They're well-coached and they have some really good wrestlers," said Northwestern coach Jim Moll. "(Josh) Evans has been really impressive so far this season, not to mention (Zack) Christman and (Zachary) Graver, who have both wrestled really well. They're all very talented guys."The Tigers (4-8) got a few impressive performances from Anthony DiCataldo (120), Jarrett White (126) and Alex Russo (182). Russo picked up a win by fall, while White and DiCataldo picked up victories by decision in matches that were up for grabs throughout."Anthony (DiCataldo) has had limited varsity action this season, but he stepped up and wrestled a pretty good match," Moll said of the sophomore. "And Jarrett (White) is bumping up a weight class this year, which is always tough. But he's done a great job for us."He does whatever the team needs him to do. And that's good. That's what a captain should do."For Lavin, it's the close losses that will resonate more than the convincing wins."I think we came out okay. But it wasn't the way we came out, it's the way we finished some of the matches (that I'm focused on)," the coach said. "I'm happy with getting the win, but I always tell the guys they need to reflect on what they can do better. And in the matches we lost, we gave up big points at the end of periods."We can't afford to ride a guy for a long time, then give up a point right at the end. Or wrestle in a good position for the entire match, then get pinned."With healthy returns from several key members of the lineup on the horizon, Moll hopes his young squad can finish the season strong."It's tough because we have so many guys out with injuries and skin issues. That makes it really hard on us," he said. "But if we have all of our guys healthy, we can fill a lineup."Right now, we're just concentrating on getting healthy and hopefully we'll have everyone back for the match against Northern Lehigh on Monday."Although the sample size was small, the experience against a league foe gave the Bombers a chance to work out a few kinks before the all-important run up to the postseason."It's tough to take a lot out of this, with it only being a few matches," Lavin said of the five bouts that were contested. "But we have several tough ones coming up and we need to improve and be perfect for those."Palmerton 54, Northwestern 24106 - Bailey Wehr (NW) won by forfeit113 - Matt Shetayh (NW) won by forfeit120 - Tony DiCataldo (NW) dec. Brandon Traugher, 15-8126 - Jarrett White (NW) dec. Dan Russo, 8-2132 - Travis Stroup (P) won by forfeit*138 - Andrew Ringler (P) won by forfeit145 - Josh Evans (P) pinned Zach Hunsberger in 4:36152 - Zack Christman (P) pinned Alex Schneck in 3:09160 - Zach Graver (P) won by forfeit170 - Tim Gergor (P) won by forfeit182 - Alex Russo (NW) pinned Jared Mooney in 5:26195 - Matt Wolfe (P) won by forfeit220 - John Iles (P) won by forfeit285 - Alex Raub (P) won by forfeit* Match started at 138 pounds.