NATCHEZ — After a tough outing in their jamboree contest against Adams County Christian School, the Trinity Episcopal Day School Saints are looking to rebound in their first regular season game tonight against Silliman Institute.

Assistant coach Chris Bunio said the Saints turned in a solid week of practice leading up to the game.

“I think they responded well,” he said of the team after the jamboree. “They were down, and that motivated them. Coach (Zach) Rogel and I challenged them to do everything right this week and execute at a high level and they did that. It was a great week of practice, which should equal great results.”

The week one test won’t be an easy one, though. The MAIS AAA Silliman finished last season 9-3 and were bounced from the playoffs by ACCS in the second round.

“I know they had a good year last year,” Bunio said. “They return a lot of starters, but they lost three on their line, one being a Division 1 player. They are big in the front seven and have a great core.”

Perhaps the most dangerous piece for Silliman is returning dual-threat quarterback Zach Kelly.

“Anytime a quarterback can use his legs and isn’t scared to lower a shoulder, it’ll be a challenge,” Bunio said. “But seeing ACCS’ quarterback was good preparation. We just need to do a better job of containing him.”

While the cards may be stacked against Trinity, Bunio said he is just hoping to see his team get better.

“We expect great results, but our main thing is progressing every week and getting better going towards district play,” Bunio said. “As long as we progress and everybody does their job, we’ll be happy as a coaching staff.”

However, Bunio said an upset win would be huge moving forward.

“Being at home would get the school and community excited,” Bunio said. “Knocking off a team like that would show what kind of promise and expectations we have.”