WILLIAMSTOWN - Get back to work.
That's what Magnolia did Monday on the heels of the Blue Eagles' first regular-season loss since 2009, a 66-30 pasting at the hands of Wayne County last Saturday night in Ripley.
''We spent time on conditioning and watching film,'' veteran coach Mark Batton said.
It was also a day to put the past in the past.
''They're definitely disappointed with what happened,'' Batton said. ''We just have to work to improve and straighten out the things we didn't do well and build on the things we did well.''
Run defense was a big trouble spot for the Blue Eagles. Pioneers runners carried the ball 49 times for a whopping 457 yards.
And with a trip to run-happy Williamstown on the agenda Friday night, Batton knows some improvement is quickly needed.
''Tackling was a big problem,'' he said. ''We had guys in place to make plays. Instead of tackling someone for a 2-yard loss, it would end up being a 7-yard gain.
''That's something we really have to concentrate on.''
All in all, though, Batton was pleased with how his youthful squad did against the talented Pioneers, picked by many to be playing on the first Friday night in December at Wheeling Island Stadium.
Magnolia trailed 22-14 at halftime and was still in contention until Wayne exploded for 30 fourth-quarter points.
''Offensively, I thought we played well,'' Batton said. ''Once we got settled in we did OK.''
Junior Tanner Hanna's first pass attempt was intercepted. But after that, he calmed down and finished with 150 yards through the air and three scores.
One of those touchdown strikes went to Stephen Rogalski, who looked like his normal all-state self by hauling in seven catches for 131 yards. He also took a kickoff 88 yards for a score.
Clearly, Batton is excited about his team's passing game.
''Stephen is a tremendous athlete,'' Batton said. ''He's a threat from anywhere and we just need to get him the ball as much as possible.
''We also need to get Jayson (Keller) back on track.''
Keller, Magnolia's leading rusher a season ago, was held to 52 yards on 19 carries.
Trey King powers the Yellow Jackets' backfield. During last week's 50-0 drubbing of Tyler Consolidated, King, making his debut as the team's tailback, scampered for 183 yards.
''They haven't changed a lot,'' Batton said of Williamstown. ''They're going to power the ball at you and run it.
''They have nice, big linemen that really move and block well. And the King boy runs really hard.''
For Williamstown coach Terry Smith, his offensive line was a concern heading into the season.
''They had a good night, but this week will be tougher,'' he said.
''I'm not sure looking at (Magnolia's) performance against Wayne was a good indication of them.''
While they're not the team they were during last season's state championship run, Smith is aware many pieces from that team remain. So, he's not taking the Blue Eagles lightly.
''We're going to have to work on our pass defense because of Rogalski,'' he said. ''And Keller's a terrific player. You need to be aware of what they're doing.''
Williamstown quarterback Jake Tracewell, tight end Aaron Jones and runner Trace Hart are other offensive threats for the Yellow Jackets.
