As a new member of the South Puget Sound League, South Kitsap High’s football team is finding the powerhouse collection of 4A schools it is now facing to be as tough as advertised.

Coming off a 62-38 thumping at the hands of second-ranked Graham-Kapowsin Sept. 2, the Wolves are entering their second game at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9, once again as an underdog to fifth-ranked Sumner.

South Kitsap, which finished last season with a 2-8 record, moved from the old Narrows League last year to face SPSL’s 4A collection of highly ranked teams.

“It’s considered the toughest league in the state now,” Wolves coach Gavin Kralik said.

“We’re hobbled now with injuries, but even with a healthy team, playing some of the toughest teams in the state means you’re going to have your hands full.”

Sumner won its opener last week, dispatching Bonney Lake 41-14. The Spartans will arrive at Kitsap Bank Stadium loaded with a collection of talented starters from last season.

One of those starters — running back Conner Wedington — was the second committed recruit for the University of Washington Huskies. The 5-11, 180-pound three-star recruit also plays defensive back. Wedington also excels in track and field, running the 100-meter, 200-meter and 4×100 relay, and competes in the high jump.

“(Wedington) is an outstanding player,” Kralik said. “He’s the best running back in the state.”

South Kitsap will have to face Sumner with injuries to one of its key players. Quarterback Siaosi Soto has been sidelined with a broken collarbone and is expected to miss at least the next four games, Kralik said. “Siosi is a really good quarterback for us,” he said.

“Unfortunately, he got injured. That was a big blow for us. He played well in his first game out there. Obviously, we look forward to getting him back out on the field for us.”