MANGHAM — It’s crunch time for (4-4) Ferriday High School football team, and the road to the postseason doesn’t get any easier.

After falling to Sterlington 55-52, the Trojans travel to Mangham to play against a team that has been to the state championship two years in a row.

After a lackadaisical start against Sterlington, which set the stage for a third-quarter comeback before eventually falling short of victory, Ferriday head coach Dwight Woods hopes to see his team play with intensity for four full quarters.

“We’ve been working on trying to get them going early,” Woods said. “It’s been an ongoing issue with us.”

Entering this contest, the Dragons have put together a dangerous rushing attack with Abdullah Rhone, Kyle Barefield and Jakarie Nichols combining for 2,087 yards and 26 rushing touchdowns.

The Dragons have also passed by committee with Chris Fleming and Kyle Barefield combining for 267 passing yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

But entering the matchup, Woods said he believes the Trojans will be able to run the football against Mangham.

“I’m actually looking forward for a really good game from Malik (Hampton),” Woods said. “He’s been in that zone as of late, and he’s had a good week of practice.”

Hampton recorded more than 100 total yards and two touchdowns in the loss to Sterlington. With Mangham boasting a 2-1 district record and Ferriday holding a 1-2 record, the winner of the matchup Friday will be tied for third place.

Ferriday will try to make a move in the district at 7 p.m. tonight in Mangham.