NATCHEZ — After successfully defending their No. 1 ranking in MHSAA Class 1A for another week, the Cathedral Green Wave turn their attention to the next challenger, Sacred Heart.

The Green Wave (6-0) are coming off an overtime thriller against Lumberton, which they won 35-34, while the Crusaders enter the game off a bye week.

“Hopefully that woke them up a little bit,” said Rushing of the tight game against Lumberton. “We’ve had a pretty good week of practice. Could’ve been better, but they are excited about our last win.”

Cathedral has sat near the top of the Class 1A rankings all season, and now that they are the top dogs, Rushing knows his team is going to be tested every week.

“The ranking doesn’t mean anything,” he said. “Everyone is going to come at us with their best, and these guys are starting to realize that.”

Rushing said the team has used that as a motivational tool throughout the season.

Another motivator for Cathedral has been running back Dee Fleming, who had four touchdowns in the win against Lumberton.

“He’s special,” Rushing said. “He gives us that threat of scoring every time he touches the ball. At halftime he came out and carried the load for us, and he had the attitude that we are going to win the ball game. And I think the kids are starting to feed off him.”

One major factor the Green Wave have been able to escape for the majority of the year are injuries, and Rushing said he expects his team to have everyone back this week.

“We’re doing good, and I think we are better than average right now,” he said.

Cathedral and Sacred Heart are scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff in Hattiesburg.