FAYETTE — Jefferson County hasn’t had a great start to its season, losing three out of its first four games, but coach James Herrington is counting on improved play from his team now that the “second season” has started.

The Tigers play their first Region 7-3A game of the season on Friday against Amite County, and Herrington says it is very important to start region play off with a victory.

“It’s definitely extra important,” Herrington said. “Every region game counts, no matter who the opponent is. You can’t afford to lose any.”

Jefferson County is coming off a 28-0 loss to South Pike, and Herrington is hoping the Tiger offense wakes up against the Trojans this Friday.

“Basically we’ve got to make plays in all three phases of the game, offense, defense and special teams,” Herrington said. “In order for good things to happen, we’ve got to make plays. That’s one thing we haven’t done lately. Hopefully Friday will be our coming-out party.”

Amite County comes into the game with a 1-2 record. The Trojans won their first game of the season against Prentiss, but have dropped their last two; 19-8 against Hinds AHS and 7-0 against North Pike.

Herrington said Amite County likes to run the football and the Trojans’ offense runs through quarterback Jerel Cobb.

“(Cobb) is going to touch the ball on every play,” Herrington said. They get the ball into the hands of their best player on the team. He does a lot for them.”

Herrington said that Cobb can throw the ball, but prefers to run it.

“Our big key defensively will be to slow him down,” Herrington said. “He throws well, but he does a lot of his damage on the ground with his legs. We will definitely key on him defensively.”

And now that Jefferson County has gotten through the pre-region portion of its schedule, Herrington is expecting improvement from his team.

“It’s the second season now,” Herrington said. “Hopefully we’ve gotten through our growing pains and can start off region play with a win.”