Palmerton head coach Chris Walkowiak’s offensive game plan usually consists of utilizing the running game to setup the passing game. On Friday night against Catasauqua, that game plan worked in reverse for the Bombers.

That’s because Palmerton (2-5), instead, was able to attack the Rough Riders downfield through the air, setting up the run game with short-yardage scoring opportunities. The success and development of the Bombers’ passing game with recently appointed quarterback Jordan Nelson is a newly acquired weapon in their arsenal and it showed on Friday, as Palmerton came away with a dominant 59-14 victory.

Palmerton jumped on Catasauqua from the onset, scoring 40 points in the first half. The Bombers passing attack was the reason why. Even though all of Palmerton’s scores in the first half came from the running game, it was the Bombers aerial assault that put them in position to score. Nelson, who has made the move from wide receiver to quarterback, showcased a strong and accurate arm throughout the game, especially when he attacked the middle of the field. Nelson, who went 12-of-17 for 169 yards in the first half, also added two short-yardage rushing scores. Tanner Burnett also added two first-half rushing scores.

It was evident from the success Palmerton was having in the passing game early on that the Bombers’ coaches saw something they could exploit, and Nelson and his band of receivers took care of the rest.

“We always try to have balance, and first and foremost we always want to try and establish our run game because it really sets everything else up for us, but also we’re never afraid to take what the defense is giving us, and tonight we saw some looks that we thought we could take advantage of in the passing game,” said Walkowiak. “Jordan did a great job of delivering the ball, our receivers made some plays, finding the openings, and a real key was the protection. Jordan had time to throw the football all night long.”

The Palmerton defense also was pretty good in this one, settling in after surrendering a touchdown in the first quarter. Catasauqua’s Wil-Quon Clemons took an inside hand off 48 yards to setup the Rough Riders first score, but after that it was a struggle for the Roughies. Catasauqua’s next six possessions consisted of four punts, a missed 36-yard field goal, and a turnover on downs.

The Bombers kept the pressure on in the second half as well, adding three more scores. Burnett’s third rushing touchdown came halfway through the third quarter, while James Denicola and Stone Klotz added short-yardage rushing touchdowns in the fourth.

NELSON OF ALL TRADES

... Jordan Nelson had himself a ball game on Friday night. The Bombers new signal caller threw for 236 yards, rushed for 83 yards and three scores and also returned an interception 27 yards for a touchdown. Nelson took over the helm at quarterback just three games ago, moving from wide receiver and it’s safe tp say he’s starting to feel comfortable throwing the football and running the offense. “From working at practice, getting the timing down, I feel confident now throwing the ball. But the success tonight in our passing game all starts with the offensive line and the receivers. I was well protected and our guys ran great routes,” said Nelson.

MAKING PLAYS

... Nelson put the ball on the money throughout the game, but a trio of Palmerton receivers made some nice plays after the catch on the night. Aaron Stasko (104 yards), Eli Rivera (58 yards) and Cody Waterhouse (55 yards) serve as exceptional weapons for Nelson.

MOVING THE STICKS

... Palmerton put on a show with 21 first downs in the game.