After suffering a 21-0 defeat to Amite School Center last week, the Huntington Hounds face an even tougher District 5-1A opponent in undefeated Chamberlain-Hunt Academy Friday night at Port Gibson.

After being shut out in his first district game against ASC, Huntington head football coach Gerald Reeves said this is a crucial game for his team.

&uot;I feel this is a must-win situation for us, but not as far as the playoffs are concerned yet,&uot; Reeves said. &uot;This a must-win as far as the district standings are concerned. If we lose this game, it will hurt us mentally.&uot;

Wildcats coach Lum Wright agreed that this is an important match-up.

&uot;We’re getting down to the nitty-gritty. It’s a heck of a lot better to go 2-0 in district than 1-1,&uot; he said. &uot;With only five teams in a district, one loss can be devastating.&uot;

Right now, Huntington stands at 2-2 overall and 0-1 in district, while CHA enjoys a 4-0, 1-0 record.

Reeves is looking for improved play from his offensive line and the defensive backs.

&uot;The offensive line played terrible last week. The defensive backs need to do better, especially covering the deep route,&uot; Reeves said. &uot;We were pretty well manhandled last week.&uot;

Reeves said his has been pleased with the way quarterback Barrett Arthur, running back Luke Davis and fullback Kenneth Clayton have played so far this season.

Defensively, Reeves said he was impressed with the play of defensive lineman Zack Brown.

They will need to play a near-flawless game against CHA, a team fresh off a win against Trinity last week.

&uot;They run a power-I offense with two tight ends,&uot; Reeves said. &uot;They’ve got a good quarterback in (Daniel) McFatter.&uot;

Reeves said that in addition to McFatter, Huntington will need to control Wildcat running backs Wesley Purvis and Matthew Burrell.

CHA runs a 4-3 defense led by middle linebacker Sam McLemore.

&uot;They move to the line real well,&uot; Reeves said. &uot;McLemore is the heart of their defense.&uot;

Wright said the most impressive aspect of Huntington’s squad is the coaching.

&uot;They’re one of the better coached teams I’ve faced in all my time here,&uot; he said. &uot;You can tell they’ve been drilled.&uot;

Reeves said the key to the game will be for his team to stay with the Wildcats early, control the football and make some gambles on defense.

Wright said the key to the game is simple.

&uot;It’s just like any game,&uot; he said. &uot;It’ll come down to who makes the fewest mistakes and keeps the ball off the ground.&uot;