WINDSOR – Sometimes a loss can help you refocus.

That’s what Bertie High School mentor Greg Watford believes happened to his team after Friday’s 40-7 setback at Rocky Mount High School.

“We made some mistakes and we turned the ball over,” Watford said. “We have to get those things fixed and when we do, we’ll be back.

“We already know KIPP Pride has forfeited to us next week, so we’re still in good shape overall,” he continued. “We get to drop a game for seeding purposes in the playoffs so we are still playing for a top seed, we just have to get back on track.”

Watford said the team was making adjustments on both the offensive and defensive side of the football as they prepare for 2-0 Swansboro High School Friday.

“Offensively, we have to get a few things fixed at quarterback with David (Watford),” the coach said. “I think we have tweaked some things and you will see him back more to the effectiveness level he was in the scrimmages and against Gates.”

The coach said the quarterback, who is his son, tried to do too much after a few bad things happened early last week. He said the offensive staff was working with their QB to stay within the system.

He said the team will also return to its roots and be a run-first offense.

Defensively, the Falcons plan to get more aggressive than they have been in the first two weeks.

“We’re going to make some changes and let our Defensive Coordinator, Coach (Mike) Dail do things he is more comfortable with,” Watford said. “He’s going more to the type of defense he is familiar with. He’s sold me that it’s the way to go and we’re following that.”

Watford said the team will be looking to bounce back against a good Swansboro team without running back Jaquil Hafiz, who will join Al-Ameen Sharif and Raekwon Williams as likely missing the game. Hafiz will suit up, but is not expected to play because of a high ankle sprain.

“We’re a little banged up, but we have to get out there and play,” Watford said. “I think Swansboro is better than they were a year ago. They may not block quite as well as Rocky Mount, but their backs may be better.”

Watford said his team was ready to be back in the friendly confines of Roy L. Bond Jr. Stadium.

“It’s very important to be back in Bond Stadium,” he said. “We seemed to be comfortable against Gates, even in our pregame ritual. At Rocky Mount, we never really got a feeling of being comfortable. We were never in sync.”

The Falcons will look to get going again at 7:30 p.m. Friday when they welcome Swansboro High.