NATCHEZ — One week after a physical 21-16 victory over River Oaks, a banged up Trinity team needs to go on the road and win another tough game if they want to lift the District 3-AA trophy for a second consecutive year.

The Saints (9-0, 3-0) will travel to Rayville, La., to take on Riverfield Academy (6-3, 2-1) tonight with the district championship on the line.

If Trinity wins, they win the title outright with a perfect 4-0 district record. However, if Riverfield wins and River Oaks defeats Prairie View, there would be a three-way tie for first place and a complicated tiebreaking situation would take place.

If Riverfield defeats Trinity and River Oaks loses to Prairie View, Riverfield would capture the district championship.

With all those scenarios out there, Trinity coach David King knows he will need an outstanding effort from his team.

However, they are not at 100 percent. Key players R.J. Fleming, Givonni Dent, Kent King and Larry Calcote suffered minor injuries in last week’s game and won’t be at full strength for tonight’s contest.

“We’re certainly not near 100 percent, but nobody is this time of year,” King said. “We’ve got several kids who carry the ball banged up this week and we’re not at full speed. But this time of year, you’ve got to line up and go full out in a big game, and the players know that.”

King said sophomore Brandon Daggs stepped up and played one of his better games in last week’s victory, and he expects more of that this week in the wake of the injuries.

“I look for more from him this week,” King said. “He and Wells (Middleton) will have to carry some more of the load in this game.”

Riverfield gave Trinity fits in the first round of the playoffs last year before falling 12-6 and King expects another tight game this time.

“They’ve got most of their guys back from last year’s team,” King said. “They are a very quality opponent. They are one of the better defenses we’ve seen this year.”

Trinity clinched a playoff spot with last week’s win and King believes the Saints are peaking at the right time as the postseason closes in.

“We feel good about where we are right now,” King said. “We feel like our best football is still to come. I’m amazed at what these kids have been able to accomplish. We’re excited about the opportunity to play for another district championship.”