The Baldwin football team lost 40-0 on Friday to Elizabeth Forward.

Junior wide receiver Noah Saccani felt that Elizabeth Forward played well overall.

“They played good both defensively and offensively,” Saccani said.

Senior Devin Taylor said the Highlanders need to improve on the fundamentals of the game.

“We really struggle at holding blocks and making tackles when we’re in position,” Taylor said. “We beat ourselves and forget our coaching.”

The Highlanders have to improve on defense, Saccani said.

“We definitely have to work on tackling and blocking,” Saccani said.

The offense also is not living up to its potential, Saccani said.

“I hope we pass the ball more,” Saccani said.

Freshman quarterback Noah Mickolay was replaced in the third quarter by senior Jaden Duttine in an attempt to get the offense going, but the Highlanders did not score.

Taylor credited Duttine with handling the change well.

“Duttine stepped up and made the most of it when he filled in at quarterback,” he said.

Mickolay, meanwhile, said there were some positives in the game.

“The whole team gave our best effort and we all tried our best. At the end of the day, that’s all that matters,” Mickolay said.

As a freshman playing varsity, Mickolay has been adjusting to the fast-paced, difficult environment.

“It’s been overwhelming at times, but I’ve stayed cool and my coaches and teammates have helped me through it,” Mickolay said.

Mickolay said he needs to work on forming better bonds with his wide receivers so they can communicate better and be a stronger team.

The loss drops the team’s record to 0-5.

Last week, Baldwin lost its closest game of the season so far, falling to Chartiers Valley, 21-13. Two weeks ago, however, the Highlanders got shut out by West Mifflin, 49-0.

The Highlanders will hope the second half of their season move in a more positive direction. The team’s next game is on the road against South Fayette on Friday.