The CDS Prep football team wasn’t able to come out with a victory in its first test in 11-man football last Friday, but that doesn’t mean Patriots coach Lane McLaughlin wasn’t pleased with his team’s effort.

“I was really impressed with our determination and our fight,” McLaughlin said.

The Patriots fell 12-0 to Winter Haven All Saints’ and 21-6 to Cambridge Christian (CDS Prep played one half against each team in a jamboree-style format). The Patriots’ lone score came via the defense when Darius Bing scooped up a lateral and returned it for a touchdown against the Lancers.

The offense had some success moving the ball, but the unit shot itself in the foot at the worst times. McLaughlin said the Patriots had a dropped pass on a fourth-down play on one occasion and another dropped pass that would have resulted in a touchdown.

“We just made little mistakes,” McLaughlin said. “It’s nothing we can’t correct.”

McLaughlin said arguably the biggest positive was the play of the Patriots’ offensive line, which includes three eighth-grade starters – Anthony Suarez, Jarred Smith and Camden Coe.

The Patriots host Leesburg First Academy on Friday at 4:30 p.m.