The Coupeville Wolves opened their 2002 football season in a non-league contest against the Cascade Christian Cougars Friday night at their home field, with what looked like the whole town in attendance.

The opening kickoff went to the Wolves, who marched down the field with a 15-yard pass from Brad Sherman to Danny Graham, setting up a 7-yard touchdown run by Dan McDonald with less than four minutes off the clock. The Wolves next struck with a 71-yard pass from Brad Sherman to Brian Fakkema for a touchdown later in the first quarter.

While Coupeville scored twice in the first half, the visitors put three TD’s on the board and went into the locker room with the lead.

The second half started with the Cougars receiving the ball. They marched down to the 5-yard line where the Wolves got tough, thanks in part to a few adjustments coach Ron Bagby made at half time. The Wolves held for three downs, forcing the visitors to kick a field goal. The three points boosted Cascade’s advantage to 24-14.

The rest of the second half belonged to Cascade Christian, which went on to score on a pair of six-yard runs and a 65-yard kickoff return. The final score was 43-14 in the visitors’ favor.

Although outscored, the Wolves were not overpowered. Assistant coach Tom Roehl saw a lot of positives. “We made a lot of mental errors but they are all fixable stuff,” Roehl said.

Coupeville coaches liked the consistent performance of running backs J.D. Meyers and Dan McDonald combined with the breakaway potential of Brien Fakkema. Fakkema had a 71-yard touchdown reception and 80-yard kick-off return called back due to penalties.

Coach Bagby said, “Cascade is a powerful team and our players were tired in the fourth quarter but they never gave up, I am proud of them.”

Bagby also expressed optimism for the future in this still-young football season. “We have players coming back from injuries and this will help our depth,” he said.

Bagby was satisfied with the play of the young line in the season’s first game, particularly the goal line stand in the third period. “Our front line are rookies, this was their first varsity game, but they are veterans now,” he said.

Coupeville’s next two games are away against non-league opponents. This Friday they travel to Lakewood Stadium to take on Life Christian. Kick-off is 7 p.m.

Mark Oct. 4 on your calender so you can be at the Wolves’ Mickey Clark field at 6 p.m. to see Coupeville battle Charles Wright in their last non-league game. Be ready to see some exciting football.