Last week’s loss was a tough one for Paul Friel to choke down.

His Johnson team had gone toe to toe with North Hall, one of the area’s top teams, and didn’t back down. The Knights even outgained the Trojans by more than 100 yards but still suffered a 17-point defeat due to an abundance of self-inflicted wounds.

That’s the bad news.

The good news for Friel: His players took the loss as hard as he did.

"They definitely had a different attitude after the game," Friel said. "As far as losses go, there were times last year where they were kind of ‘well, whatever.’ They were used to it.

"But (last week) they were upset. They knew that was a game they definitely could have and should have won if they did their jobs correctly."

Around the same time a few miles away, Matthew Gruhn found himself in a similar situation.

Last week, his Lakeview team hung with Fellowship Christian for four quarters, and despite numerous mistakes, were in a position to win the game.

Instead the Lions lost by a point.

That’s the bad news.

The good news for Gruhn: After going 1-7 last year in their first varsity season, his players are showing signs of progress.

"If we eliminate some of our own mistakes then the outcome will be different," Gruhn said. "But we put ourselves in position (to win), and we’re competing. And as long as we keep putting ourselves in position to win a football game, then that’s really all we can ask for."

For both Johnson, Lakeview and others around the area, Week 1 taught a bitter lesson. Losing is never easy, and it’s especially hard when winning seemed within reach. But there’s good news for each of team that fell short: Sometimes defeat can teach more than victory ever could.

Both Johnson and Lakeview showed more improvement over last year than was proven by either final score, and even in a loss, confidence can be gained. In fact, losses are part of what it takes to become a good football team, and more losses will almost certainly come for the Knights and the Lions this year — maybe as soon as tonight.

Proud teams may not want to accept "moral victories," but they’re part of the process. High school teams rarely turn their fortunes completely in one season. Instead, bad losses become "good" losses which eventually become wins.

It’s part of the journey that coaches often call "learning how to win."

Both Johnson and Lakeview appear to be halfway there.

This weeks predictions:

Banks County over Riverside: The Leopards looked better in their Week 1 loss than the Eagles did.

Buford over North Hall: Speaking of moral victories, there’s no shame in taking one when playing Buford.

Commerce over Morgan County: The Tigers bounce back strong from a disappointing loss.

White County over East Hall: The Warriors’ defense is too stout.

Flowery Branch over Lumpkin County: The Indians’ defense was outstanding last week, but it will get a true test tonight.

Gainesville over Franklin County: The Red Elephants look to be among the area’s best on both sides of the ball again this year.

Habersham Central over Heritage: No time to regroup in 8-AAAA; the Raiders pull even tonight.

Jackson County over Sonoraville: The Panthers move to 2-0 for the first time since 1981.

Jefferson over Dawsonville: The Dragons open 8-AA play with a strong statement.

North Forsyth over Johnson: The Knights have the misfortune of catching a Raider team on the rise.

Lakeview over Towns County: An improved Lions running game should find success.

Union County over Rabun County: The Panthers have an eye toward the postseason this year; it starts with a win tonight.

West Hall over Pickens: The Spartans stay strong through four quarters this week.

Last week: 11-3. Season: 11-3.