But Knights’ head coach Jim Penley still saw the Knights’ figurative glass as half full postgame.

“I am unbelievably proud of how our guys played in the first half,” he said. “Reynolds has an outstanding program that is in line to be one of the top programs in District 10 this season.”

Minjarez’s TD runs came from 54, 9, 35 and 55 yards out to lead the Raiders’ ground attack, which accounted for 425 yards overall. Teammate Parker Nay chipped in 108 yards on five carries and one TD; and Brady Nehlen collected 54 yards on four carries and a pair of scores.

Quarterback Xavier Zachrich completed 5 of 9 passes for 51 yards and a touchdown, that connection going to Nay.

Eisenhower quarterback Caleb Jakubczak fights for a touchdown during Friday’s game against Reynolds. Times Observer Photo by Steve Younger

For Eisenhower, Caleb Jakubczak completed 8 of 12 passes for 94 yards and a touchdown that was good for 54 yards to Payton Hammerbeck. On the ground, Jakubczak led the way with 107 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown; and Nolan Gesing ran for 82 yards on nine trips and another score.

The Knights (0-1) were tested by injuries and fatigue due to depth, but Penley did not use that as an excuse.

“Early in the third quarter we were only down by five points,” he said. “The things that need fixed are on the coaching staff. I feel very confident in our ability to do that. The game did not go the way we wanted, but I’m proud of our guys. They never quit and were fighting until the end. I’m excited for next week and this season.”

Eisenhower travels to Saegertown next week.

CONNEAUT 48, WARREN 6

CONNEAUT — The losing streak continued for the Warren football team on Friday night, dropping a 48-6 District 10 non-region opener to Conneaut 48-6.

However, despite losing the first game of the head coach Chris Korbar-era, he is optimistic for this season.

“It did not turn out the ending we wanted,” he said. “Our kids are still getting used to us and our philosophies. It’s just a learning curve, just some small little mental mistakes. … The kids have been great.”

Conneaut jumped out to a 35-0 lead by halftime and led 41-0 before the Dragons could end the shutout.

Warren got on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter when Tommaso Clemente was found wide open on the sideline by senior quarterback Brady Shene, who delivered a throw for a 59-yard touchdown.

“Obviously, that’s a little spark,” Korbar said. “The kids will start coming around and believing they can do it. These kids are a great group that needs to just feel and believe in themselves. Once they get to that point, we’ll be rocking and rolling.”

The Dragons will have their first home game next week when Corry visits for another non-region game..

“The offensive line started finding things,” Korbar added. “They’re coming along nicely. (On) defense, we’re starting to find our rotations and (we’ll) go from there.”