Two things are clear from Lindbergh’s season-opening, 15-12 win against Highline Thursday night at Renton Memorial Stadium.

First, a defense that returns eight starters from a year ago should be just fine. Second, the offense that lost some key pieces from past years still needs some work.

The defense did have some typical, first-game mistakes early with three penalties in the first five plays. The unit regrouped to force three turnovers in the first half, despite allowing Highline to move the ball well at times.

“It wasn’t perfect, it wasn’t pretty, but it got the job done,” said Lindbergh coach Pat O’Grady. “It was certainly bend but don’t break, and we did our fair share of bending.”

The defense totaled four interceptions and got a safety on an attempted punt from Highline when the snap sailed through the end zone. Highline scored just six points on offense (the other Pirate touchdown came on an interception return).

Frank Cange looked impressive in the defensive backfield, twice hitting receivers and knocking would-be catches out of their hands. Kevin Taul and Andre Sadenttanh each made tackles for losses. Diondre Toms recovered a fumble and intercepted a pass.

Bakari Davis found the end zone twice on offense. He scored the game’s first points with a 26-yard touchdown rush to the right in the first quarter. Later in the half, quarterback Derek Herley tossed a short pass to Davis for 22 yards and a touchdown.

In between the two touchdown drives, Lindbergh’s offense sputtered. Herley, a wide receiver last season, showed a strong knack to scramble out of the pocket and pick up tough yards. However, he wasn’t in sync enough with the offense to consistently get the ball to the Eagles’ dangerous downfield weapons.

“I’m a little concerned,” O’Grady said. “But it’s Derek’s first time starting at quarterback and there’s going to be some jitters, there’s going to be some moments. Fortunately with those growing pains we endured and got the W.”

For now, they will rely on Herley’s ability to make plays until the passing game gets sorted out. At one point in the first quarter, he spun off three Highline defenders in the backfield and rushed for 11 yards.

The Eagles looked to be the more talented team, but couldn’t breath easy until Toms intercepted a pass with 34 seconds left in the fourth quarter. From that point it was a simple kneel by Herley to end the game.

“We thought we were better prepared than that, but at the end of the day it’s a win and you take those,” O’Grady said.