Wolves football team shows improvement but still loses to Essex

North Star’s Ty Baillargeon (centre, grey jersey) is engulfed by Essex tacklers during last Friday night’s game. Essex won 23-0.

While there were encouraging signs for the North Star Wolves senior football team last Friday night, they are still looking for their first win.

The Wolves travelled to Essex Oct.16 but fell short 23-0 to the Red Raiders. It wasn’t until late in the first quarter when Essex opened the scoring thanks to a 19-yard touchdown pass. 

That came after an interception that gave them the football.

The Red Raiders went up 14-0 on the final play of the first quarter thanks to a 20-yard touchdown pass.

Essex looked to add a second quarter touchdown but a holding penalty took that off the scoreboard. They ended up missing a 16-yard field goal on that drive.

Shortly after that, the Wolves conceded a safety deep in their territory to make it 16-0 for the Red Raiders at the half.

The only scoring in the second half was a three-yard touchdown pass for Essex in the fourth quarter.

J.R. Kotyk threw the three Essex touchdown passes with Cash McCarthy, Cooper Britenbaugh and Zan VanVrouwerff with the receptions.

A highlight for North Star were interceptions by Levi Findley and Ayden Park.

North Star head coach Emmitt Rosati believed the game was closer than the final score indicated.

“I’m super proud of the way our team played tonight,” said Rosati. “I think we competed really, really well. 

Rosati said they will be continuing to focus on things they can control and will stay focused on improving their fundamentals. He said the Wolves “played their hearts out” and that they are improving every week. Rosati added they showed “relentless effort” against the Red Raiders.

The Wolves (0-5) will be hosting the Herman Green Griffins (4-0-1) this Friday at the Libro Centre. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

Wolves football team shows improvement but still loses to Essex

By Ron Giofu