East Union High’s freshman football team got a boost of confidence despite suffering a season-opening loss to St. Mary’s Thursday at Dino Cunial Field.

The Pages managed to make a game of it after allowing 25 unanswered points in the first half and ultimately fell, 32-22 to the Division-II powerhouse from Stockton. St. Mary’s lone second-half score came late.

“After the halftime adjustments we outscored them 22-6, but it was too little, too late,” said first-year EU head coach Eddie Lopez. “We showed in the second half that we can play ball with anyone.”

Running back Alex Martel led the second-half charge, finishing the game with 127 yards on 17 carries and touchdown runs spanning 7 and 10 yards. East Union’s other score came via a 22-yard pass from Austin Miller to Bailey Simons. Marcus Panelo added 10 rushes for 67 yards.

Defensively, Justin Byrd and Alex Martel recorded five tackles apiece. Phong Nguyen, Armando Herrera, Panelo, Miller and Simons each chipped in four. Miller also intercepted a pass.

East Union will look to rebound next Thursday, Aug. 30 against Orestimba at home.