NATCHEZ — The scene was a familiar one for Trey Barnes. He was back home where his journey began, except this time, in an opposing uniform.

Barnes, who was recently named the head coach at University Academy in Alexandria, La. brought his team to Natchez Friday to take on newly appointed head coach, and longtime friend Matthew Freeman and the Adams County Christian School Rebels in a summer baseball contest.

Barnes, a product of Vidalia, said it was nice to be back.

“It felt great,” he said. “On the ride down here I was showing the kids where we played and stuff like that so it really felt nice to be here.”

Barnes was named the head coach of the Lions just over a week ago, but said one of the first calls was to Freeman to set up a friendly contest.

“We were talking about it super quick,” Barnes said. “As soon as we found out we called each other and said lets play.”

Freeman said the games will not only benefit them as coaches finding their way, but also the their teams.

“We knew we had to take advantage of this and get some games in,” Freeman said. “It is laid back and fun. Obviously it is going to be competitive, but it is just two good buddies getting after it.”

Freeman said in his time at ACCS, he hadn’t seen the team play summer baseball, and knew that if he wants his team to be successful, they were going to have to get some work in.

“Some of them sit off all summer and all fall and then try to jump in and play baseball in the spring,” Freeman said. “It doesn’t work that way. You have to do stuff in the summer, fall and leading up to the spring. That is the only way you’ll be able to compete at a high level.”

Both coaches said their respective teams are already putting in the work, and it is something they are pleased with.

“The kids are aggressive,” Barnes said. “We are swinging the bat well and playing good defense. I’m excited to see what the future holds for us.”

Freeman is also looking forward to the year-one journey.

“They are all energetic,” said Freeman of his team. “We’ve got a new atmosphere around and the kids are excited. We’ve got 25 kids out for the team, so they are all eager to fight for a spot and play and I just hope they continue to fight.”

Although Freeman and Barnes aren’t suiting up anymore, there is still some competition between the two head coaches.

“It is awesome,” Barnes said. “We played against each other our whole lives, so it is kind of the same thing. But there are no hard feelings at the end. We are still going to be friends no matter what.”