With a shot at second place in MAIS District 5-AAA this week, Cathedral High School football coach Chuck Darbonne has noticed something about his team.

The Green Wave is hoping to significantly boost its confidence as a program after ending last season with a record of 3-8 as it is set to host Silliman Institute at 7 p.m. tonight.

“I think the mentality is changing. I’m not going to say it’s changed, but it is getting close to where we need to be,” Darbonne said. “Winning the district would be changed, but as a whole it is changing for the positive.

“Them knowing how I want them working every day and not losing focus on little things here and there is progress. Not just physically, but mentally it is a grind every day.”

Currently, Cathedral (5-4, 1-1) sits at No. 12 in the Class AAA power ratings, as the top 16 teams are granted a spot in the playoffs.

After just barely making its way to the postseason last year, Darbonne said he is glad to see things working out.

“It’s definitely an improvement,” he said. “Silliman (3-6, 1-1) is on the outside looking in right now. They need this to get in the playoffs. I’m sure that’s what they are playing for this week.”

Darbonne said he has one major goal in Cathedral’s game plan to contain Silliman.

“This week we really have to do a good job of keeping one major player (Jack Jackson) they have in check,” he said. “If we can take away the best thing they have, and take away that momentum from them I think we have a really good chance. He doesn’t come off the field, and he is a really good player.”

Whatever the result, Darbonne — in his second season has head coach — has faith the program still remains on the upswing.

“We are growing together as a team and our eight seniors have really put forth an effort to get things to be the right way,” he said. “It’s going to keep us going this year and on.”