The Cranston East football team dropped its season opener 38-12 to the visiting Coventry Oakers last week.

The East offense struggled to find its rhythm throughout the matchup while the Oakers scored early and often.

Trailing 14-0 in the second quarter, the Bolts would get on the board when Naz Milien returned an interception for a touchdown. East failed to convert on the 2-point play to make it 14-6 heading into halftime.

Coventry would catch fire in the second half and put up 16 unanswered points to make it 30-6, but East would get another score when Antonello Lucchetti returned an Oakers kick the distance for the score.

“It was good to see (us score on defense and special teams) because there are three phases of the game. Each of those phases are important and if we can score in either of those phases, it’s only going to help us out more throughout the season,” said East head coach Isaiah McDaniel.

The East offense struggled with penalties throughout the loss as well as unforced errors. The Coventry defensive front brought heavy pressure on East quarterback Da’Qwon Foster, so McDaniel also hopes to find answers on the offensive line.

“We would start moving the ball, but then we’d commit a penalty, have a dropped pass, self -inflicted things are preventing us from putting the ball into the end zone. There are definitely things that we need to work on in practice and our execution needs to be a little bit better,” said McDaniel. “We’re still trying to find some camaraderie up front and once we do that, I think he will become more comfortable in the pocket. That comes with time and practice, and once we get that, he will find his footing.”

The Bolts will now take on Division I powerhouse Central on the road this Friday. McDaniel hopes to see his club flip the page quickly and put its best foot forward as it faces one of the state’s toughest programs.

“Everyone is always down after a loss, but they’re ready to go and they’re ready to compete. That’s been their mentality, so they’re never going to get down on themselves. They’re always going to come and be ready for the next challenge that’s put in front of them,” said McDaniel. “Going in to compete (is the goal). It’s always good to play a team that’s always at the top of the rankings, it’s a good measuring stick to see where you are before you start playing your league games. Our expectation is to go in there, compete and try to win.”