Justin St. Ours | Daily Press Carney-Nadeau’s Brayden Kakuk (35) cuts outside against Ontonagon Oct. 10 at Powers.

CARNEY — For the first time since the Carney-Nadeau football program’s inception, the Wolves (3-3) are heading to the playoffs as they take on the Cedarville Trojans (5-1) today in Cedarville.

In an abbreviated season that included two forfeit victories against Forest Park and North Dickinson, Wolves’ head coach Jim Belec is just happy to have another opportunity for his team to hit the field.

“Yes, it’s the first time we’ve ever been in the playoffs,” said Belec, “but at the end of the day, we’re just happy to be playing.”

“Cedarville is going to be an incredible test for us,” he continued. “We’re just going to go out there and do the best we can.”

The Wolves, in addition to the two forfeit wins, picked up a victory against Ontonagon (58-38) and, according to Belec, missed an opportunity against Newberry.

“I thought we played pretty good against Newberry but just let it get away from us,” he stated.

One of the biggest challenges the Wolves will face is a lack of playtime compared to the Trojans. While both teams’ records show six total games, only the Trojans have taken to the field for each of those.

“Unfortunately, we had a couple forfeits,” Belec said. “So, we only got a couple of games in.”

On top of the missed playing time, Carney will also be down all-division player Nethaniel Barnes — who will be out with a broken hand.

Despite the challenges, Belec is keeping the team’s focus on just playing the game.

“We just have to work,” he said. “It’s just another opportunity to play a game.”

With the Wolves’ first playoff appearance, it is a testament to how the team has developed since its inception.

“It’s grown immensely,” Belec said. “It’s night and day compared to when we started.”

That growth, said Belec, is partially thanks to the current crop of seniors, Michael Flanagan, Timothy Hodson, Juan Maier, and Robbie Windsor.

“They’re part of the reason we’ve gotten as good as we have over the years,” he said.

While the extra games of the playoffs provide an opportunity for the Wolves to begin building their team for the future, it’s also a chance to thank those that helped them get to where they are.

“Yeah, it’s building on to next year,” Belec stated. “It’s also paying tribute to our seniors.

“We’re just going to go out there and do the best we can.”