CATASAUQUA - The playoff implications were pretty big, entering week eight for both Palmerton and Catasauqua, as both sides are in the same District 11 AA playoff class. The Blue Bombers came in to week eight in second behind Schuylkill Haven, while the Rough Riders stood in fourth.

However, following the Bombers' 46-6 victory, they remain even more steadfast in that second position."I'm proud of the kids' effort tonight," head coach Chris Walkowiak said afterward. "I thought they fought through a lot of adversity, and they're fighters. There are things we can improve on, but there are a lot of positives that we can take away from tonight's contest, as well."In fact, Palmerton scored on all seven of its possessions in the outing, including four TDs in the first half.Five plays into the game, the Blue Bombers hit pay dirt, as senior quarterback Garrett Perschy connected with Jordan Nelson for a 42-yard scoring reception to open up the scoring."The offensive line really came to play tonight," Walkowiak said. "They opened up a lot of holes and gave Garrett a lot of protection."The record-setting signal caller admitted to he and his teammates being ready, saying, "Coming into this week, we were stressing that it's a playoff game, with another AA opponent. We knew it was going to be a tough matchup because Catty has been playing some good football, but we really came out and played like we are capable of playing."The Bombers' second possession saw Perschy and backfield talent Mikey Stasko team up on an option that almost resulted in a score, but came up a yard short. Perschy took it in from the one on the next play for the 13-0 edge."The offensive line had some great push tonight," Stasko said. "There were times were I was getting five yards before even getting touched, so I thought they did a great job tonight, too."As impressive a night that Palmerton's offense was in week eight, it was the Blue Bomber defense that stifled a potent passing game of the Rough Riders."The secondary, we worked really hard with them this week in practice, because we knew that Catty was a very good passing team," Walkowiak commented. "I think we did a pretty good job containing them tonight, they still got yards, but tackling-wise, we were in the right position and aligned right, and like I've been saying, it's mental."A 27-yard scoring sprint by Stasko and another one-yard pounce from Perschy made it 25-0 at intermission.The second half began with a Catty score on a nine-play, 63-yard drive. However, from there on, Palmerton managed the outcome."I think our execution was great on defense," Stasko said. "Our secondary was communicating well, we knew where to be, we were at the right angles to make good plays and we came up to play the ball, because their receivers are shifty. But we did a great job containing them."LOOKING AHEAD... Despite the natural urge to look ahead, Palmerton remains focused on one game at a time. "We're not looking at districts, but tonight's game was big. Now, with the win, we can focus on playing Salisbury," Walkowiak said.GAME PLAN... The Bombers play host to Salisbury in Stasko and Perschy's final home game, and the two realize the importance. "Right now, we're just looking at Salisbury," Perschy said. "It's our last home game, so we want it.""We're going to have to be disciplined," Stasko added. "They're a veer option team, so we'll need to find the ball and make tackles."BAND TOGETHER... On Catasauqua's Homecoming night, a nice gesture was made, as the Roughies' and Blue Bombers' bands joined together to perform.