D’Vennio Warner

The Natchez Democrat

FERRIDAY — The Ferriday High School Trojans, on the heels of Friday’s rivalry win against the Vidalia High School Vikings, are focused on their next opponent, said Trojans Head Coach Stanley Smith.

“Make proper reads, be repetitive, do your job defensively and everything else will take care of itself,” Smith said. “Setting up the pass game off our running game is what we like to do and it’s working.”

The Trojans (4-3, 3-0) are in the driver seat for the district championship as they sit atop of the LHSAA District 2-2A standings. “Winning a district championship was one of our offseason goals and that’s what we want to do,” Smith said.

“I’m an advocate to be the best, you have to beat the best,” Smith said. 

Ferriday’s only losses this season have been to teams in bigger districts.

“We play a lot of 4A and 5A opponents, and we’ve taken our licks,” Smith said. “Now I think it’s our turn to issue some out and we’re ready for it.”

On Friday night the Trojans will host Mangham High School (2-5, 1-3). “Mangham is more of a ground-and-pound type of team,” Smith said. “So this week we have to make sure we align properly on defense, make sure we’re physical at the point of attack, and we have to finish when we get to the ball carrier.”

Last Friday against Vidalia, Ferriday was able to hold the Vikings to 7 points, and fewer than 150 yards total offense.

Smith said he believes his defense is very talented and has several players who can play at the next level.

“Larry Scott our linebacker is a college player along with free safety Dionntae Dishta, and defensive tackle Henry Thomas,” Smith said.

As the Trojans look to finish off their regular season, they will face three opponents with a combined negative winning percentage.

“These guys are still

hungry and I think we’re really hitting our stride right now, we won’t relax,” Smith said.