The Ferriday High School Trojans will look to end a two-game losing streak when they hit the road Friday to take on the Mangham High School Dragons in a critical LHSAA District 2-2A game for both teams.

Kickoff between the Trojans (5-2, 2-1) and the Dragons (6-1, 3-1) is set for 7 p.m.

Ferriday is coming off a stunning loss at home to Concordia Parish and district rival Vidalia High School, 20-12. Despite the loss, the Trojans only dropped one spot to No. 2 in this week’s LHSAA Class 2A power ratings.

Ferriday coach Stanley Smith said the mood of his players in practice so far this week has been heightened after the loss.

“I think there is a little more attention to detail — a little more focus,” he said. “They’re ready to play ball this week.”

After giving up 43 points to Class 5A Denham Springs two weeks ago and 20 in the first half to Vidalia last week, Smith said both sides of the ball need to be fixed — and soon.

“Right now, our secondary. We have a lot of youngsters on the back end. It’s been a collective effort, though. We haven’t gotten much of a pass rush. Offensively, we’ve got to do a better job of not giving up points.,” Smith said. “It’s a collective effort with the mistakes we’ve made. We cannot keep shooting ourselves in the foot.”

With Vidalia, Mangham and Rayville all at 3-1 in district play (Rayville’s loss was to Ferriday), the Trojans cannot afford another loss if they want to stay in contention.

Smith said Mangham has a great football tradition and likes to play smash-mouth football. The Dragons moved up seven spots from No. 21 to No. 14 in the Class 2A power ratings after taking care of General Trass on the road last week, 41-6.

“They’re going to run power. They’re going to run downhill. We’re going to try to run to the ball at the point of attack. Smash mouth, I love those kinds of games,” Smith said. “Buckle up and put the mouthpiece in and play ball. It’s going to be a great challenge for us this week.”

The Dragons run a multiple-formation defense and they will line up everywhere, Smith said.

“They’re big up front. They’re solid in what they do. We have to pay attention to detail and figure out where they line up,” he said. “It’s going to be physical. We’re going to work hard this week in practice and come out Friday night and execute.”