Unable to dig out of an early hole, the South Whidbey High School football team lost 35-20 to visiting Cedar Park Christian-Bothell Friday, Oct. 5.

The Eagles scored a touchdown in the first quarter and early in the second to go up 14-0; from that point, it was an even contest.

“They were really fast off the ball and it took us time to adjust,” South Whidbey coach Mark Hodson said. “We spotted them 14 points, then we played with them.

“We just didn’t start fast enough.”

Cedar Park used a stout ground game to grind out the win. The Eagles attempted only two pass plays — one was a sack and they other went for a touchdown.

The Falcons were stung by three turnovers; Cedar Park Christian had none.

“We both had some big plays, they just were able to get points out of theirs,” Hodson said.

Although South Whidbey gave up 35 points, Hodson liked his team’s defensive effort.

“I know that sounds funny, but I thought we played well.”

On offense, CH Chapman ran for 75 yards on 10 carries, and Kody Newman threw for 155 yards.

“Cedar Park was just better than us,” Hodson said. “If we played them again, I don’t know if we would win, but we would be closer.”

The Falcons (1-1, 4-2) face rival Coupeville (0-2, 3-3) at home at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5.