John Stark football’s head coach, Bob Clarke, tried to tell his athletes they’d played well in a 12-6 loss to host Pembroke Academy on Saturday, Sept. 12.

They disagreed.

For proof, Clarke could point to the mud-covered uniforms – and faces – of his Generals, or his quarterback’s wrapped thumb, which sidelined him for a spell but ultimately couldn’t keep the signal-caller from the huddle.

The players, on the other hand, could argue turnovers and other mistakes cost them a good chance at victory following a loss to Division-III powerhouse Portsmouth a week earlier.

Both Clarke and his charges were correct.

David Wilson, who ran well throughout the game, roared into the end zone to give Stark a first-quarter lead; quarterback and fellow senior Sean Barnes threw well in terrible conditions, then shook off a dislocated thumb to return late in the fourth quarter; and junior linebacker Ian Kuck delivered some jarring hits on defense. But fumbles and a devastating fourth-and-1 penalty late in the final stanza were too much to overcome.

“They put in a fantastic effort,” said Clarke after addressing his frustrated team. “But obviously the execution needs to improve.”

After the head coach’s talk, some of the players vocally urged a renewed commitment from their mates during weekday practices, as well as a reminder the entire team is responsible for each game’s outcome – win or lose.

Stark has a low number of varsity athletes – 28 were listed for the PA game – and Clarke said just 15 play regularly. That means stamina is going to be a concern as every game proceeds.

“We’ve got to try to pick them up and encourage them as much as possible,” said Clarke.