For its first two years, the Barr & Johnny’s Flag Football Classic allowed for anyone to compete.

Yet this year’s event had a slight twist.

Five high school football teams descended on the Trinity Episcopal campus to partake in an afternoon filled with 7-on-7 competition, while also supporting a good cause.

Along with the Saints, Adams County Christian School, Clinton Christian, Delta Charter School and Jena each showcased their talents in the double-elimination format tournament.

“My dad loved high school sports so much, and he was such an integral player at Trinity that it made sense that we go to this format,” event organizer Cole Brown said.

The event is in honor of Barr Brown and Johnny Rachal, with its proceeds going toward scholarship funds for underprivileged students.

“My dad had a full-time job, but I think if you asked players and parents, while he wasn’t a coach, they looked at him as a coach,” Brown said. “He gave that much time back to the school.”

Trinity Episcopal coach Graham Roberts said the tournament provided his squad the opportunity to work on both their timing and fitness.

“They’re running while they’re not realizing they’re conditioning,” Roberts said. “It’s good work, and it’s for a great cause.”

Brown said that while this is the first year with the new format, the 2001 Trinity alumnus remains hopeful to grow the event in the coming years.

“We want Cathedral involved, Ferriday and Natchez High and Vidalia. This has the potential to be a premier tournament,” he said.

Roberts echoed Brown’s sentiment.

“You have to start somewhere, and I think five teams is a good start,” Roberts said. “There is some really good competition out there.”

Brown said support for the tournament proved overwhelming, aiming to ultimately support the cause.

“It’s incredible,” Brown said. “To see (ACCS head coach) David King come back, to see (Jena assistant coach Matt) Mason come back, my dad coached with those guys here. That is more special than anything. But at the end of the day it’s not about athletics, it’s about making a difference.”