FERRIDAY — The former No. 1 school in Class 2A makes its way to Melz Field tonight for a district showdown against the Ferriday Trojans.

The (5-2) Sterlington Panthers come to Melz Field having lost back-to-back contests against Ouachita Christian School and Mangham High School. The Panthers lost to the Eagles 21-19 before falling to the Dragons 36-35 in overtime.

Following those results, Ferriday head coach Dwight Woods expects a fired up Sterlington team to take the field.

“We know they’re going to come out and try to make that big push early,” Woods said. “We’re getting our kids mentally prepared for it. We have to make sure we stay focused early and do what we need to do.”

Sterlington brings its option attack into Ferriday with junior Devante Douglas leading the way with 544 rushing yards and Tyler Muse rushing for 277 yards.

Woods said his team will have to play its assignments on defense to slow the Panthers’ rushing attack down, and he’s hoping his defensive line can build off of a strong performance last week.

“(Dare Rosenthal) is starting to play the screens well, that’s how he had that interception for a touchdown last week,” Woods said. “Marquise (Brown) has really played well the last couple of weeks too.”

On offense, Woods said quarterback Ronald Williams is finding his rhythm throwing the ball, and he’s installing some new routes for Ja’Shon Foster this week.

“(Sterlington) likes to play a lot of man coverage, but we know they’ll double (Foster) some and bracket him,” Woods said. “They have a great cornerback that’s going to be covering him, but I personally think Ja’Shon is a little bit better. I see the matchup going both ways, but I think Ja’Shon will make some explosive plays.”

The (4-3, 1-1) Trojans will host the (5-2, 0-2) Panthers Friday in the pivotal division clash.