Week 1 of the season did not go the way head coach Matt Dillon and the St. Edmond football team had hoped it would.

But the Gaels have wiped that away from memory and are focusing in on their home debut this Friday night vs. Newell-Fonda.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. from Dodger Stadium in this eight-player, District 1 contest.

Last Friday, St. Edmond (0-1 overall, 0-0 in district) held a lead at Glidden-Ralston until the final seconds, when the Wildcats connected on a Hail Mary as time expired and won it on a successful two-point conversion, 22-20.

“First and foremost, we have to get some of the younger kids in the game to keep our starters fresh for the end,” Dillon said. “(Against Glidden-Ralston) we had the lead and all of a sudden it was a close game and we couldn’t really take anybody out at that point.

“So, we need to work on developing depth while also working towards winning games, which can become a tough thing to do at the same time.”

The Gael offense was held in-check, getting a touchdown pass from Ethan Swisher to Jakob Koopman, along with a rushing score by Aaron Hindt. The other points came off an interception return by Grant Galles.

Swisher completed 10 of 14 for 96 yards, Galles caught six passes for 56, Koopman had three for 35 and Hindt ran for 33.

“That was one of the worst offensive outings we have had in a long time here,” Dillon said. “And that falls on me to start because I coordinate the offense. I have to be better and we are asking the kids to be better.”

Kinnick Henning and Coltin Fevold each made 6.5 tackles on defense, as Blake Bartlett and Swisher both ahd six. Galles also picked off a second pass vs. Glidden-Ralston.

Newell-Fonda (0-2, 0-0) had a Week 0 game, falling to Boyer Valley, 53-28. They lost to North Union last Friday, 69-20. Senior Trevor Tauber has thrown for 214 yards and three touchdowns, junior Jackson Bellcock has 116 yards rushing with a score and senior Jacksyn Hogrefe has caught 14 passes for 144 yards and three TDs.

Sophomore Gunnar Baron has also played quarterback this year, throwing for 61 yards with a touchdown.

North Union scored 47 in the first half vs. the Mustangs, including 34 in the second quarter alone. The Newell-Fonda defense surrendered 313 yards rushing and nine TDs.

“We’ll have to see what (the Mustangs) throw out there on offense, as (Tauber) got hurt last week,” Dillon said. “He is a pretty good athlete, so that changes what they can do with him out there.

“But honestly, we just need to worry about ourselves and getting better right now.”

Earlier in the week, both St. Edmond and Newell-Fonda found out they have lost a district game. Siouxland Christian announced plans to forfeit its remaining schedule after a Week 1 loss due to a concern over player safety.

The Mustangs picked up a contest with Riceville on Oct. 17 in the regular season finale. The Gaels were scheduled to play Siouxland Christian on Sept. 26.

NEWELL-FONDA

Offense

TE — Thomas Mercer, 155, soph.; OL — Liam Gauley, 225, jr.; C — Lincoln Gauley, 230, jr.; OL — Brayden Johnson, 210, jr.; SE — Jacksyn Hogrefe, 175, sr.; FB — Jackson Bellcock, 155, jr.; TB — Gunnar Baron, 175, soph.; QB — Trevor Tauber, 195, sr.

Defense

DE — Will Voyles, 210, soph.; NG — Lin. Gauley; DE — Liam Gauley; LB — Baron; LB — Ian Harrer, 165, soph.; LB — Bellcock; LB — Tauber; FS — Hogrefe.