For the first time Natchez will host a Friday-night holy war.

Both led by rookie head coaches, Trinity Episcopal and Cathedral High School face off tonight at Trinity.
Greenwave head coach Chuck Darbonne said in his short time in Natchez, he has realized the importance of Friday night football to the Miss-Lou area.

“We played them in junior high a couple weeks ago,” Darbonne said. “You can tell how much it meant to both sides. We’re putting a lot into this game. They’re very focused right now. It’s one of those deals where you hear it from people that aren’t part of the program about the importance of the game.”

Trinity head coach Graham Roberts is not new to the area, but he is seizing the opportunity to motivate his players for a rivalry game that could be the start of a new tradition.

“I’ve been telling my guys all week, I don’t know if any of them have played a regular-season game against a cross-town rival,” Roberts said. “They’re playing for bragging rights this week. I told the seniors that when they come home for their 10-year reunions, this is what they’ll talk about.”

Although Trinity plays in the AA class in MAIS, its roster has no shortage of playmakers.

Darbonne said coming off a shutout loss to Simpson Academy, his team has to get over its mid-season growing pains. A non-district game surrounded by anticipation is perhaps just the right cure.

“There is always some improvement,” Darbonne said. “We lose two, and we have a tough time getting over that little hump. It’s been frustrating, but the kids are working hard, practicing hard.”

Cathedral’s chief concern is containing Trinity’s dynamic playmakers, particularly athlete Kevontaye Caston and wide receiver Dee Fleming.

“They’re probably the most athletic team we’ve faced all year,” Darbonne said. “We have to do a good job of being very consistent on what we’re doing. They’re a quick team.”

Roberts said Trinity, whose pre-district schedule was packed with stout, high-classification opponents, said this game feels slightly less daunting to his squad simply because the opposing players are friends and neighbors.

“Most of my guys are buddies with this Cathedral team,” Roberts said. “This is a big game for these guys. … I’m trying to convey to them this is another game.”

Kickoff in at Trinity will be at 7 p.m.