JACKSON — Trinity Episcopal used a smothering defense and opportunistic offense to defeat DeSoto School (Ark.) 37-7 and win the MAIS Class A state championship Friday afternoon at Harper Davis Field on the campus of Millsaps College.

Trinity led just 14-7 at halftime, but out scored DeSoto 23-0 in the second half, thanks in large part to a defense that allowed just 17 second-half yards.

“We had some struggles through the year learning a brand new defensive scheme, and had some mishaps along the way,” Trinity head coach David King said. “But we kept working hard at it and ended up being a great defensive unit, holding (DeSoto) to just seven points. Throughout the playoffs we were as good (defensively) as we had been in a long time.”

R.J. Fleming ran for two touchdowns, including an 8-yarder midway through the third quarter that gave Trinity a 21-7 lead.

The Saints then dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring DeSoto 16-0 thanks to a safety, a 10-yard touchdown run by Kent King and a 2-yard touchdown plunge by Jordan Dossett.

Trinity finished the year with a 12-3 record. The championship is the school’s fourth, and third since 2001.