“Tentative” — an action done without confidence.

“Tentative” pretty much sums up the first half of South Whidbey High School’s season-opener in football against the North Mason Bulldogs on Sept. 1.

The Falcons dropped to 0-1 in the Cascade Conference with the 17-8 loss, second from the bottom, but ahead of Sultan.

“Actually, things were good at North Mason,” Coach Mark Hodson said.

Say what?

“We learned about being ready at the first snap, that you can’t have a good second half and hope to win,” he added. “They saw their potential, but it was too late.”

Falcon quarterback Danny Parra — who scrambled in for a 10-yard touchdown in the third quarter for the Falcon’s single score — agreed with the coach.

“We came out flat in the first period,” he said. “People were acting like they were scared. There’s a bunch of new varsity players and I don’t think anyone realizes yet how good we are.”

James Jones has been Parra’s center since eighth grade. “There was a lack of intensity on the field,” Jones recalled.

“I think we have some good talent on this team, but we have to get the practice tempo up, develop a faster pace and start believing in ourselves,” Jones said.

Parra knows it’s been awhile since students and fans have seen the Falcons excel on the gridiron; last year’s 0-11 record won’t be washed away until the team starts winning.

“We need everyone’s support, in the community, too,” Parra said. “We want to show them we’re better.”

They’ll get a chance today at 2 p.m. on Waterman Field as the Port Townsend Redskins come to town for the home-opener.

“This will be the fourth game with Port Townsend in six years,” Hodson said. “Though we play well in scrimmage, we’ve always come up short when it counted. This one counts.”

Hodson thinks this will be a good test for his team.

“People can expect to see the ball in the air more than usual. The Redskins have a new coach and are undergoing a transition period,” he said.

Jeff VanDerford can be reached at 221-5300 or sports@southwhidbeyrecord.com.