NATCHEZ — Trinity Episcopal will be facing a more balanced attack Friday in the second round of the MAIS Class A South State playoffs.

The Saints will host University Christian from Flowood, and assistant coach Richy Spears said his defense would have to be ready to defend the run and the pass.

“They’re a big team, and they try to mix it up and stay balanced,” Spears said. “They’ll use both the spread and power I look.

“They have a big fullback that’s committed to Southern Miss, and they have a freshman quarterback who throws the ball pretty decently. It won’t be like last week (against Wayne Academy), where we could just load up the box.”

On offense, Spears said the Saints would have to keep from forcing things against University Christian.

“We just have to take what they give us, whether they’re loading up and blitzing or playing zone,” he said.

Linebacker Kevin Brown said he and his teammates understand what’s at stake in each round of the postseason, where teams are eliminated after one loss.

“Coming off a state championship, everyone’s taking things seriously,” Brown said. “The seniors are approaching it like it’s our last game, do or die. We play every snap like it’s our last.”

Brown, who transferred from Huntington School after it closed, played for the Hounds in 2007 and 2008 when Huntington made the playoffs. That experience has helped him know what to expect this year, he said.

“Now, I can actually show my teammates what to expect and what to be ready for,” he said. “Playing in the playoffs is a great feeling.”

And with it being his last year in high school, Brown said he wants to go out on a high note.

“I’ve been to the playoffs three out of the last four years. Every year I got close, and I feel like I have to win big this year,” Brown said.

“I feel like I have nothing else to lose.”