Complementary football – when executed, the end result usually puts a “W” in the win column.

On Friday, Palmerton was able to do just that, playing complementary football and executing in all three phases of the game to come away with a 42-16 win over Catasauqua.

The Bombers went to work right away, coming up with a big special teams play early in the first quarter. A blocked punt led to a 45-yard scoop and score by Daniel Lucykanish, who had a productive first quarter to give Palmerton an early 6-0 league.

Lucykanish would score twice more in the first quarter on a five-yard run and a 24-yard reception from Matt Machalik to put the Bombers up, 21-0.

As good as the Bombers offense was in the first, their defense was even better, forcing two turnovers and two punts. It was the type of complementary play that Bombers’ head coach Chris Walkowiak expects from his ball club.

“We talked coming in that we needed to do something early to get us going and that special teams play did just that,” said Walkowiak. “That really got us going and then defensively we played well.

“Catasauqua has some explosive athletes and we didn’t give them much, so I was real happy with that. For most of the night ,we played complementary football and that’s something we talk about a lot, so that was good to see us do that and come out and execute that.”

Palmerton’s defense continued to play well in the second quarter, forcing two more punts and held strong at the end of the half as the Rough Riders try to punch one in before the break.

The Bombers passing game also continued to thrive in the second quarter as Machalik found Dalton Drake from 32 yards out on a beautiful ball down the left sideline to make it 28-0. Machalik would then put the game into the mercy rule on Palmerton’s next possession capping off a seven play, 52-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown plunge.

Two weeks into the season, Machalik and the Bombers’ passing attack already have seven touchdowns through the air.

“I think our offensive line has done a nice job so far of giving Matt time to be able to make some throws down the field,” said Walkowiak. “Matt is seeing the field really well right now and if he has some time back there he becomes even tougher to defend.

“Also, our receivers have been crisp with their route running and they have been getting separation. We have a number of weapons in the passing game and they can all make plays which also helps.”

Machalik and the starters would play one more series to start the third with Machalik finding Bryce Marino from 10 yards out to make it a 42-0 advantage.

Catasauqua would score 16 points in the fourth against the Palmerton reserves.

IN THE TRENCHES

… Palmerton was impressive up front on both sides of the ball, but especially on defense where it held Catasauqua to just 2.25 yards per carry on the night.

PILING UP

… Machalik is piling up the touchdowns. The junior already has seven touchdowns through the air and three rushing touchdowns. He has passed for 434 yards and has rushed for 187 yards in just two games.

LUCYKANISH GOT LOOSE

… Lucykanish certainly made his presence felt in the first quarter scoring three touchdowns on a punt block scoop and score, a five-yard touchdown run and a 24-yard touchdown reception.