FERRIDAY — After seeing more run-oriented teams the past few weeks, Ferriday High School will have to be ready for a change of pace.

The Trojans (4-3, 2-0) will play Lake Providence High School (3-4, 1-1) at 7 p.m. Friday in Lake Providence, La. Ferriday head coach Chad Harkins said the Panthers would bring a dangerous passing game to the table.

“They spread it all over the field. They love to throw the football,” Harkins said.

“Their quarterback (Lamar Carraway) is an exceptional athlete. He can run it or throw it 60 yards. He’s the best quarterback I’ve seen all year.”

Because of the downfield threat the Panthers pose, Harkins said his secondary would have to play smart.

“It’s a different challenge for us. It’s a challenge for our defensive backs. We really have to play assignment football and make sure we’re in the right spots,” Harkins said.

“Hopefully we’ll be ready and prepared on Friday and be ready for that challenge, and I think we will be.”

The Trojan defense certainly has risen to the challenge the last two weeks, posting shutouts against Mangham and Jonesboro-Hodge high schools. Harkins said his defense has been doing a tremendous job the last few weeks.

“They’ve really been coming around as far as assignments and understanding the scheme we run,” Harkins said.

“Things have been getting a lot better on that side of the ball. The kids are believing in what we’re doing, and we keep improving from week to week.”

Even though Lake Providence is almost two hours away from Ferriday, Harkins said he’s not too concerned about travel time being a big factor.

“We’ll leave kind of early along the way. (Travel time) is always a concern, but I think we’ll be fine,” he said.

“As long as the players stay focused, it’s no big deal. You always have to remember what you’re on the trip for.”

And that’s not for a nice little Friday getaway, Harkins said.

“We’re on the bus to play a district football game, not have a party.”