SALEM — Linn showed flashes of what Coach Billy “Sonny” Sonnemaker believes his young football team can become Friday night, but the Wildcats were unable to sustain them in a 35-0 road loss to Salem.

The Wildcats opened the game with a strong first possession, but the offense was unable to find the same rhythm as the game progressed.

Salem led 7-0 after the first quarter, added 13 points in the second to take a 20-0 halftime advantage, and scored seven more in the third before closing the game with eight points in the fourth.

Linn finished with 73 yards on 42 offensive plays. The Wildcats rushed 36 times for 65 yards and completed 3 of 6 passes for eight yards.

Sonnemaker said Linn’s opening possession is heavily scripted, while the coaching staff becomes more collaborative with play calling as the game develops.

“Everything we plan and whatnot is to allow our players to be successful on offense,” he said. “Everything’s designed for those guys, and a lot of it, we need them to execute and do their jobs.”

For Sonnemaker, the inconsistencies remain part of rebuilding a program with a young roster being asked to learn a great deal quickly.

“We’re Bambi, man,” Sonnemaker said. “We’re just trying to walk and take our first steps still, and still play football.”

Despite the final score, he saw progress on film, particularly in Linn’s understanding of assignments and defensive positioning.

Salem finished with 166 yards on 21 offensive plays. The Tigers rushed 19 times for 153 yards and three touchdowns and completed 1 of 2 passes for 13 yards.

“There’s so much positivity, and there’s so much positive stuff because kids are getting there,” Sonnemaker said. “They’re understanding the techniques. They’re understanding the concept. We’re getting to the right positions. We’re just still a step away.”

He pointed to linebacker Gavin Kempker as one example. Kempker was not a starter last season but has moved into a larger role and, Sonnemaker said, has shown an increasing understanding of the defense and how to fill his responsibilities.

The next step is physical development.

“We’re still just not as physical yet because we haven’t developed in the weight room,” Sonnemaker said.

Linn was also affected by injuries. Aaden Nelson went down during the game, costing the Wildcats some explosiveness, while Tommy Scheulen entered the contest after dealing with back spasms during the week.

Sonnemaker said Linn’s defense was also put in difficult situations at times by mistakes elsewhere, including a failed punt attempt after a personnel change.

Those are mistakes he expects from a young team, but another trend has become a larger concern.

Salem scored seven points during the third quarter, marking the second straight week in which Linn struggled coming out of halftime.

“That third quarter’s been our Achilles’ heel these last two games,” Sonnemaker said. “That’s something we’ve got to figure out. Get us out of the third quarter clean.”

Linn fell to 0-2 and next faces Windsor.