LANCASTER — The Jamestown football team had its opportunities Friday night, but its inability to capitalize in the red zone led to a 16-9 setback to Lancaster in its nonleague season opener.

“I thought our kids played with a tremendous heart,” Coach Tom Langworthy said. “I’m proud of them and they played hard enough to win. There are some things we need to clean up, and we can learn a lot from this game.”

Being more efficient when in scoring position will likely be addressed.

The Red Raiders, who trailed 10-0 after the first quarter, 10-7 at halftime and 16-7 after three periods, had two drives stall close to the goal line in the final period.

“We just didn’t punch it in,” Langworthy said. “It’s frustrating, but there are a lot of lessons to be taken away from it and make us better the rest of the year.”

Jamestown quarterback Trey Drake completed 18 of 37 passes for 166 yards and a second-quarter touchdown pass to Carson Panebianco. The Red Raiders’ other points came on a fourth-quarter safety when they tackled a Lancaster player in the end zone after a bad snap.

Darius Freeney caught seven passes for 66 yards; Sean O’Brien added six receptions for 32; Colin Melendez added four catches for 57 yards; and Panebianco had two catches for 25 and the TD. Radon Wright was the Red Raiders’ leading rusher with 40 yards on 10 carries.

O’Brien and Carsen Bane led a strong defensive effort for Jamestown with 12 and 11 tackles respectively. Eric Reese and Mason McVinney both had nine stops, and Jackson Carlson collected eight.

The Red Raiders will be back on the road next Friday when they travel to Orchard Park, its second straight Class AA nonleague opponent in as many weeks.

“When you play a really good team, it can pay dividends for the rest of the season,” Langworthy said.

Jamestown’s first home game will be Sept. 16 against Lockport.