Ferriday — When the (4-4) Ferriday Trojans and (4-4) Jonesboro-Hodge Tigers meet at Melz Field Friday night, a track meet could commence.

“I hope not,” Ferriday head coach Cleothis Cummings. “We’re trying to get our defense well prepared, but this team has a whole lot of speed.”

While Jonesboro-Hodge is coming off of a 27-6 loss to Sterlington to make their district record identical with Ferriday (1-2), the Trojans are coming off of a 47-31 win against Winnfield. In the past three district games, Ferriday has allowed 41 points, but Cummings is hoping his defense can carry over momentum from a stellar second half performance against Winnfield.

“Our kids finally got to see what a 3-and-out means Friday night,” Cummings said. “That let our offense go out there and control the clock, and that’s what we plan on doing against Jonesboro-Hodge.”

Cummings is hoping to play keep away from senior running back Jamion Williams, who Cummings said was Jonesboro-Hodge’s best offensive threat.

While the Trojans defense has struggled lately, the offense hasn’t. In fact, with Shannon Morales accepting full starting quarterback duties, the offense has averaged 33 points per game in district play.

“Shannon is taking care of business,” Cummings said. “We’ll still play (Ronald Williams) in certain situations, but we have Shannon playing defensive end, outside linebacker and quarterback. I’m glad to see my seniors mature and show leadership. Shannon is one of those guys that’s matured.”

Another key factor in the game will be how many times Dontrell Domino touches the ball, as the senior running back is averaging 201 yards per game this season.

The district showdown will kickoff in Ferriday at 7 p.m.