CATASAUQUA - Coming into Catsauqua Friday night, Northwestern’s primary goal was to get off to a fast start.

The Tigers did, and they didn’t waste any time doing it.

Northwestern scored 16 first-quarter points and were never threatened as it rolled to a 37-6 Colonial League victory to close out their regular season.

In addition, the Tigers (6-1) held the Rough Riders to 84 yards of total offense, allowing only a score against their second-team defense with 4:26 left in the game.

“We challenged the kids to try to get off to a good start tonight,” said Tigers head coach Josh Snyder. “We just haven’t gotten off to great starts.

“For a while, it tended to be 7-0 in the other team’s favor for us. We put up 16 points in the first quarter and that was huge for us. We shot ourselves in the foot in the second quarter, and we had a poor quarter offensively. Defensively, we played well.”

Quarterback Justin Holmes found Cade Christopher on a 12-yard strike and then connected with Ryan McDonnell on 63-yard touchdown that helped the Tigers to an early lead.

Holmes, who finished 6-for-12 for 100 yards with an interception, sensed his team was in for a big night. He also broke free for a 44-yard scoring sprint on a fourth down on their first drive of the second half that punctured Catty’s hopes of a comeback.

“We felt like things we’re clicking for us early,” said Holmes, who rushed 103 yards. “We wanted to get out to a lead. We feel like we are getting better and better each week.

“I struggled at the start of the season with interceptions. But I am feeling more confident and comfortable every week, and I feel like I am in a good groove right now.”

Running back Nick Henry also had a banner night, as he rushed 17 times for 110 yards and scored on a pair of runs in the second half. Henry’s 55-yard burst late in the third quarter closed out the scoring and enforced the mercy rule for the final stanza.

Henry felt that he answered his coach’s plea on both sides of the ball.

“Coach was saying all week that we needed to get out fast tonight,” said Henry. “We managed to take advantage of what they gave us.

“We moved the ball on offense, but we also were able to shut them down on defense. Our defense has been getting better as well.”

Snyder has been pleased with the team’s increased intensity on defense.

“We have played much better on defense the past couple of weeks,” said Snyder. “Our line has been doing a good job on both sides of the ball. Offensively, our line has been doing a great job and they are really unselfish.

“We have picked up our game, and this was a good game before districts.”

DISTRICT DANCE ... With the win, the Tigers claimed the third spot out in the upcoming District 11 Class 4A playoffs. Northwestern could host Blue Mountain, who dropped a 27-13 decision to Pottsville Friday night.

28 NO MORE ... Heading into Friday’s game, Northwestern had given up 28 points apiece to their last three opponents, wins against Palmerton (57-28), Salisbury (39-28), and Saucon Valley (55-28).

FIVE SPOT ... Friday’s win was the Tigers’ fifth straight, all over Colonial League opponents, after they dropped a 56-35 defeat to Berks Catholic Sept. 18.