NATCHEZ — The Trinity Episcopal football team can already boast one accomplishment this football season. The Saints had more players selected to the 2011 Mississippi Dandy Dozen than any other MAIS school.

Two Saints’ football players, Tip McKenzie and Terrence Hunter, were named as members of the 2011 MAIS Dandy Dozen last week, no other team had more than one player make the Dozen.

“(Having two players selected) was big, there was a lot of excitement knowing two of the best players in the state are on the same team,” McKenzie said.

Both players said their selection is just an example of how successful the team could be this season.

“It just shows that we are two of many leaders on the team, and we want to try to win another title,” Hunter said.

Hunter said he was shocked when he heard he was selected to be a member of the Dandy Dozen, partly because he didn’t know there was such an honor.

“It feels like I accomplished something, that feels great to me,” he said. “It’s like all the work I put in actually matters now that I see it unfolding.”

Both players said they appreciate the recognition, but also understand that it puts them under the microscope.

“It feels great to know you are really one of the top players in Mississippi,” McKenzie said. “The recognition is nice because once you go play somebody, everybody knows who you are now, you have the spotlight when you go play.”

Hunter said it is a responsibility to be named to the team as well.

“It’s going to be a challenge because now I have a bullseye on me to keep my status up as a Dandy Dozen,” Hunter said.

Both players set individual and team goals for the upcoming season to try to live up to their Dandy Dozen status, they said.

McKenzie hopes to eclipse the Trinity single-season touchdown record, and Hunter said he hopes to become a great leader and make his teammates better. Both players said the main goal is a third-straight state title.

“We want to go for a three-peat,” McKenzie said. “We got a real great chance.”

Trinity coach David King said he feels fortunate when individual honors.

“We enjoy anytime any of our players get recognized, it’s a big honor and I’m pleased for those guys,” King said. “Both are very talented athletes, and they have great work ethic to go along with their ability.”

Both players are also looking forward to continuing their football careers after this season, they said. McKenzie is committed to attend Southern Mississippi. Hunter said he is mulling over offers from Prairie View A&M, Grambling State and Alcorn State.

The Dandy Dozen is selected by Jeff King and two other committee members of his website www.hssportsms.com. King coached high school football for 20 years and is now a member of the media, he said. King said they determine the Dandy Dozen based on video and stats.