The South Whidbey High School football team lost its first game of the year at Grandview (in Eastern Washington) 23-15 on Friday night.

“It was a great game between two highly competitive teams, but their defense was just a bit better,” said co-coach Mark Hodson.

Hodson added that quarterback Hunter Rawls threw well and cited receivers Duck Hanna, Jon Poolman and Austin Bennett for some fine catches.

At 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, the Falcons travel to Mount Vernon for their second pre-season game.