The Sabine Pass Sharks lost out on a year of learning when injuries forced a premature end to their football season in 2018.

They are definitely learning this year.

The Sharks took a big bite out of KIPP Houston on Friday, 42-0, shutting out the Kerberos for their first win of the season. Sabine Pass hopes to continue its education when it faces Legacy Christian this coming Friday.

“I’m hoping to win out the rest of the season, have a three-game winning streak and get these kids that are eighth graders excited and focusing on their high school careers, and hopefully get some kids walking the halls to come out and play,” Sabine Pass head coach Jason Thibodeaux said.

“Sometimes with these small schools you do what you have to do and put your best on the field. We’re just going to work on their passing routes, we’ve got them all charted, all laminated and ready to go for practice [today].”

There’s no shortage of players this year. The Sharks’ roster, while young, should have enough to carry the team through the rest of the season in case of injuries. The team this season has five seniors, though Thibodeaux is looking to the eighth grade class for the next batch of talent.

Four freshmen started against KIPP Houston on Friday, and there’s still plenty to learn.

Among the individual statistics, junior quarterback Ahmad Lorthridge had 12 carries for 65 yards and a touchdown, while junior running back Grayson Johnson managed 11 carries for 39 yards and a touchdown of his own.

Junior wide receiver Jeann Zuniga made four receptions for 115 yards and two touchdowns, as well as kicking two extra points, and senior wide receiver Harold James got himself one reception for 39 yards, a fumble recovery for a touchdown, and an interception.

Freshman Alex Juarez also made an interception.

Against Legacy Christian, though, the Sharks are starting their studies early.

“Legacy will run the spread,” Thibodeaux said. “They’re going to throw the ball. We’re going to work on our secondary, we’re going to work on our nickel package and our dime package, and work on zone coverages. I think we’re good up front to stop the run. I’ve got two freshmen inside linebackers, also a freshman cornerback, which are going to need a lot of work this week to get ready for Legacy.”