Even though Florala lost 14-0 to Kinston on Friday night, and even though the Wildcats have yet to get a win this season, head football coach Justin Jones said the team is learning how to compete — a goal he set out at the first of the season.

“It was another close one, but just from the wrong end of it,” Jones said. “I’m proud of our kids’ effort.

“We played hard defensively. We just never could get it going offensively, after a week where our offense played a better game against McKenzie.”

Jones said critical turnovers on offense inside the 20 and 35 yard line were “drive killers” for the Wildcats.

“We had our opportunities,” he said.

On the defensive side of the ball, Jones said the team had a couple fourth down stops, and caused a couple fumbles.

“They (Kinston) are a scrappy bunch,” he said.

Jones added that he thinks the team will come back and play a good game against Red Level next week to close out the season. Next week is Red Level’s homecoming.

“I think our kids will respond,” he said. “For our seniors this is the last shot going out with a bang.”