The South Fork Cubs got a good early-season test in their season-opener in football on Friday night.

The defending North Coast Section eight-player champions had to replace eight graduated seniors this fall and kicked off the new campaign at Fort Bragg, which was one of just two 11-player games they will play this fall.

The Timberwolves, who already had a game under their belts, won 36-14.

Early-season mistakes proved costly for the Cubs, but head coach Karl Terrell is confident his player can clean up those mistakes.

“I think we’re going to be alright when we get to eight-man,” Terrell said. “We feel we’re going to be pretty good.”

Seniors Wesley Way and Boden Bero-Vanmeter each impressed in the season opener.

Way got the Strat at quarterback and threw for around 175 yards in the loss, according to his coach, while also connecting with Bero-Vanmeter for both of the Cubs’ touchdowns.

“He knows the offense, he’s been with me for four years,” the longtime coach said of the QB. “He’s a very good quarterback and very elusive.”

To the Cubs’ credit, the players grew into the game, especially on the defensive side of the ball where they held the home team scoreless for the second half.

“We had a good game defensively,” Terrell said. “We did really well tackling.

“But other than that we’ve got a lot of things to work on. We’ve got to get the kids in the right positions.”

Another senior, Trevor Hunt, also had a good night in the loss and helped anchor the line.

“Trevor’s a smart kid,” the coach said. “He understands everything.”

The Cubs will try to bounce back when they host Hoopa in another 11-player game next weekend in what will be their home opener.

Game time it set for 7 p.m.

Terrell also is trying to add another game to the team’s schedule.

He recently picked up an additional game against Potter Valley, which gives the Cubs nine games on their schedule as of right now.