FERRIDAY — Ferriday head coach Dwight Woods has been on the other side, seeing the Trojans step off the bus before a game and not only strike some fear into an opponent, but also catch quite a few eyes.

“It is intimidating when you see the personnel coming out,” Woods said. “I know for the other kids it kind of spooks them, and the coaches get to thinking, how are they going to line up and what are they going to do. It kind of puts you in awe.”

But now, Woods’ perspective has changed, as he marches onto the field with his team of giants in black and gold.

“It is a whole lot better being on this side of things,” Woods said. “The big thing, though, is we are trying to get the kids to understand is you can’t just be big. You have to play big.”

Ferriday has played big so far this season, and with a 3-0 record, the players and coaches know they are becoming an even more intimidating squad to face.

“(Opponents) think we are a college team,” 6-foot-6 Ferriday wide receiver Ja’Shon Foster said. “Every time we step on the field, I think the other team is nervous. They are scared.”

Foster is just one of many big Ferriday players. Others, such as 6-foot-8 Dare Rosenthal and 6-foot-7 Dantrieze Scott, bring plenty of size to the team.

But Ferriday isn’t just big. With their size, they also bring an attitude to the field.

“We are brothers that have that intensity,” Scott said. “We aren’t scared of anybody and won’t let anybody run us over. You have to be mean to play this game. You can’t be soft and play football.”

For running back Malik Hampton, attitude is everything.

“I guess you could say it is from our previous season,” he said. “We play with a chip on our shoulders, and that keeps us going because we know we are better than that and know what we are capable of.”

With pieces beginning to fall in line for the Trojans, Ferriday is quickly becoming a talked about team. But if Woods had things his way, nobody would know about Ferriday and what the talent the Trojans posses.

“I’m hoping people don’t know us for as long as possible,” Woods said. “When people know you and you have that reputation, everybody gives you their ‘A’ game. You can’t just sneak up on anybody. I’m hoping all the way up to Week 10, people are saying they aren’t that good or that big and will take us for granted.”

As long as the Trojans continue to win, though, the name will circulate. But Woods said it isn’t necessarily the worst thing that can happen.

“Your reputation makes your kids step up and play,” he said. “When they realize the other team is intimidated by them, it should make them want to accomplish more.”

Ferriday gets another chance at intimidation this Friday when the (3-0) Trojans host Wilkinson County.