The Timberwolves took on the Cedar Ridge Raiders Friday night, after the original game was postponed due to rain. Though the Raiders came away victorious 34-28, there were some positive aspects that Cedar Park can take away.

QBs, senior Ryan Fiala and sophomore Ryder Hernandez, tossed for three combined touchdowns. Senior WR Carson Neel seemed to be Fiala’s favorite red-zone target, so the Fiala-Neel connection will be a dynamic duo to watch this season. Fiala suffered a concussion in the second half against Cedar Ridge, according to Max Preps. Hernandez said he will start in his place on Friday, opening the door to new combinations.

“I’m working with the [starters],” Hernandez said. “But that’s the only thing that has changed. Everyone can piece it all together this week and we can all buy in.”

The black rain defense had an up-and-down game, but continues to make plays in high leverage situations. DE Jacob Muñoz had 8.5 tackles, four of which were tackles for loss, according to Max Preps. DE Jesiah Whittington added three tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble. Hutson Mcgaughan also had a pick six of his own in the third quarter, which tied the game at 21.

“The key [to the game] was knowing that the guy beside would do anything for you and to trust in them,” Whittington said. “We finally bought into that idea and sold out for each other.”

The Timberwolves fell in the final seconds, after the offense couldn’t convert a fourth and goal. Junior Safety Tammer Alzer said he was satisfied with the team’s effort, despite the final outcome.

“The team never gave up,” Alzer said. “Even though we were down most of the game, we never put our heads down, we never blamed each other; we just came out and played to the very best of our ability.”

The road ahead doesn’t get any easier, as the 2-0 San Angelo Central Bobcats come to Gupton Sept. 14, followed by a road contest at Katy Cinco Ranch before starting district play.

“We have already improved on playing together and communicating as a team,” senior OL Luke Shafer said. “Everyone had a ‘next play mentality.’ I’m looking forward to seeing all of our hard work pay off next week.”