Friday’s season opener bore an eerie similarity to last year’s debut against Trinity.Wright City was halfway to victory when the tables began to turn, and its lead gradually dissipated.Much like in 2012, the Wildcats dominated the first two quarters of players before succumbing to their opponent’s speed in a 31-19 defeat.Still, it was a considerably better showing this time around.“I thought we played a cleaner game overall,” acknowledged Coach Matt Brooks. “We did a lot more things fundamentally correct. We just didn’t execute in the right spots a few times. If we make three more plays, we win the game.”The Wildcats’ running attack was effective, accounting for two early scores.“We were able to get the ball to the perimeter,” explained Brooks. “Sweeps were going and our counter and trey was working.”Senior Steven Soltysiak opened the scoring on a 20-yard sweep play near the end of the first quarter and tacked on another off a 25-yard counter during the second quarter.He finished with 101 yards on just six carries.Brooks complimented a young offensive line for opening up holes.“For plugging in three new guys and one that hadn’t played for us, I didn’t have too many complaints,” said Brooks. “They made most of their assignments and got effective blocks.”Leading 13-0, the Wildcats seemed poised to extend that advantage in the closing minutes of the half, but a 30-yard field goal sailed wide right.Trinity managed to score off a 12-yard pass on the final play of the half.“That was really frustrating, because we felt like we had played such a dominant half, but we left them right back in the game instead of putting them away early,” lamented Brooks.Wright City committed two turnovers, with the most costly resulting in a third-quarter touchdown that gave Trinity a 21-13 edge.“We got stagnant offensively in the third quarter,” said Brooks.Trinity added a field goal, before the Wildcats managed to strike again.“We did a nice job containing their speed in the first half, but they spread us out a little bit and were able to get us in some sweep plays,” said Brooks.Recovering a fumble, Wright City mounted a 25-yard scoring drive to close the gap to 24-19.Trinity slipped away on another long run to close the deal in the fourth, methodically wearing down an experienced Wildcat line.“As the game wore on, one thing that hurt us what they started getting to the perimeter on us,” said Brooks. “They were faster overall. The farther the game went, the more that affected us.”Wright City’s passing game continued to be a limited factor, with quarterback Kyle Lang completed just three of nine passes for 52 yards.We’re looking to be more dynamic with passing game. We had some protection issues in the second half.Lamone Davis contributed 45 rushing yards on eight touches, while Austin Buchheit had 25 yards on nine carries.Defensively, the Wildcats were led by Soltysiak with seven tackles and an interception, while Christian Thompson recorded six takedowns.Wright City will host Orchard Farm this Friday.

The Wright City football team dropped its season opener against Trinity on Friday.

Derrick Forsythe Photo.