Ferriday High School is the last team alive — so can the Trojans make it all the way?

Set to host their first quarterfinal football game since the turn of the century, Ferriday (10-2) will take on Red River (9-3) at 7 p.m. Friday in a matchup coach Stanley Smith said he is more than ready for.

“You want to compete at a high level. That’s why you do it,” he said. “It’s kind of hard to believe it’s November. Things have been going really fast, and now all eyes are going to be on Ferriday.”

Additionally, while Ferriday is the final school yet to be eliminated from postseason play in the Miss-Lou, Smith said he doesn’t feel any extra pressure.

Smith said with the extra eyes, comes extra motivation.

“If I feel any pressure from anybody other than myself, I’m in the wrong business,” he said. “You want to stay focused and be consistent. That’s a part of being a championship team.

“Everybody is coming home for the holidays, and I expect us to have a packed house. I know they can’t wait to get here and watch us.”

So far, Ferriday has kept its focus.

The Trojans — ranked No. 2 in LHSAA Class 2A — cruised over No. 31 Oakdale for a first round win, 60-14. Last week, they defeated No. 18 East Feliciana on the road, 46-28.

Despite the win in the second round, Ferriday still struggled to begin the game. It failed to score in the first quarter and trailed at halftime, 8-6.

“We are slow starters, and I hate that,” Smith said. “Once we get going it’s usually an avalanche. I don’t know what it is, but I’m just trying to get them motivated.”

The Trojans went on to score two fast touchdowns to begin the second half, and Smith said he is simply looking for that mentality through the entire game, especially in order to defeat No. 10 Red River.

“I want us to come out and play fast from the first quarter to the last,” he said.

If the Trojans continue its success, they will reach the semifinals for the first time since 1995, while also going in 1991. Last year they fell in the quarterfinals.

Ferriday last won a state championship in 1957.

“I’m playing to win a championship, and I’m not settling for less. Right now is a time where it’s all going to pay off,” Smith said. “The expectation is for us to win a championship, and I know everyone is going to come see if we are able to follow through.”

If anything, Smith said his team is in good spirits.

“It’s a great feeling. We work hard for it, and we wanted to make a deep run in the playoffs. By the grace of God we are still here,” he said. “I’m excited and the kids are excited, too.”