NATCHEZ — The Trinity Saints kicked off district play with a statement win, putting away a winless Porter’s Chapel team in the first half before winning 43-0.

“We knew we had a job to do,” Trinity head coach Zach Rogel said. “We told them before the game that obviously Porter’s Chapel is down this year, but if we lose this game, we won’t make the playoffs. Anything can happen in any game, so I thought we came out and made the plays we needed to.”

Trinity raced to a 14-0 lead after Kevontaye Caston connected with Demond Fleming on a 20-yard pass and David Jackson on a 1-yard pass in the first quarter. The Saints extended their lead in the second quarter after Caston connected with Fleming again, this time on a 23-yard pass, putting the Saints up 21-0.

“(Fleming) was due for a breakout game,” Rogel said. “Jakarius (Caston) has been getting a lot of love at the outside receiver position, so this week, we threw it Demond’s way. He caught two vertical touchdown passes and got it at the highest point, which was very encouraging.”

Trinity struck again less than two minutes later when C.J. Chatman scored from 15 yards out. On Porter’s Chapel’s ensuing possession, Fleming jumped a route and took an interception 35 yards for a score, giving Trinity a 34-0 lead.

Defensively, Trinity held Porter’s Chapel to only 32 total yards, which came as a result of pressure, according to Rogel.

“They had a young quarterback and Coach (Chris) Bunio decided to turn up the heat,” Rogel said.

Fleming, Kevontaye Caston and David Jackson each recorded an interception in the victory.

Kevontaye completed 9-of-13 for 102 yards, while Cade Wells led the team in receiving with five catches for 72 yards.

Though Kevontaye’s stat-line is modest compared to his 575 passing yards and eight passing touchdowns a week ago, Rogel said he liked seeing other players carry the team.

“He doesn’t have to put up superstar numbers for us,” Rogel said. “We’re getting to a point where any player can go off and have a big night for us.”

In the third quarter, the Saints lined up for a field goal attempt, and Grant Falkenheiner drilled a 28-yarder through the uprights.

“I think that shows that he’s earned the trust from the team and the coaching staff,” Rogel said.

The Saints improve to 2-3 on the season with the district win.