Field position and forcing fumbles served as the winning formula on Friday for Palmerton as the Bombers (5-2) took advantage of consistent short fields and Salisbury miscues to cruise to a 51-6 Schuylkill/Colonial Red Division victory over the Falcons.

Palmerton quarterback Matt Machalik got the Bombers offense going early with back-to-back touchdown passes on the Bombers first two possessions - an eight-yard pass to Dalton Drake and a 21-yard rope to Daniel Lucykanish to put Palmerton up 14-0 quickly.

Palmerton scored on its next four touchdowns of the game starting inside Salisbury territory. The Bombers scored on drives starting from the Falcons 30, 48, 38 and 27, extending their lead to 41-0 with 6:43 remaining in the first half.

“We had great field position throughout the game and that meant a lot. We always talk about playing complementary football and the defense set the offense up with some short fields,” said Palmerton head coach Chris Walkowiak. “Special teams was really good tonight as well. Sam Perloni did a great job of place kicking and giving us the opportunity to force some fumbles or to force some tough special teams plays for them.”

The Bombers defense was stout in this one, forcing two fumbles in the second quarter that led to scores and they did not allow a single Salisbury first down in the first half.

“We had a really good week at practice and that showed tonight. Our defense did a really good job tonight,” said Walkowiak. “Up front, our defensive line was able to get penetration and our linebackers made plays as well and I was happy with our pursuit to the ball. Credit to our scout team also that worked hard all week to prepare us for the wing-t offense that Salisbury likes to run.”

Palmerton tacked on another touchdown before the half on a Stephen Nelson one-yard run to make it 48-0 at intermission and Perloni added a 23-yard field goal late in the third to get the Bombers to 51.

ALL-TIME ... With the Bombers picking up the win over Salisbury, Walkowiak has now become the all-time coaching wins leader for Palmerton. He has 55 career wins.

DOMINANT DEFENSIVE EFFORT ... The Bombers forced two turnovers, three punts and turned Salisbury over on downs twice.

ADDING PIECES ... Running back Stephen Jones and wide receiver Cole Serfass, who have missed significant time this season due to injury both looked good for the Bombers. Jones rushed for 91 yards and two touchdowns and Serfass hauled in a 40-yard catch.