GALLMAN — Trinity Episcopal struggled at times on both sides of the ball in its two games Thursday afternoon at the Copiah Academy Jamboree, which resulted in a 6-6 tie with the Amite School Center Rebels and a 13-0 loss to the host Colonels.

Saints sophomore Kevontaye Caston got the nod at quarterback in both games from first-year head coach Zach Rogel and he was one of the few bright spots. Against Amite School Center, he completed five of nine passes for 65 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions and was the team’s leading rusher with two carries for 45 yards.

His touchdown pass went for 41 yards to freshman wide receiver Demond Fleming. Tommy McCoy had two catches for 20 yards.

But in the second game against Copiah Academy, Trinity had a hard time moving the ball on offense and stopping the Colonels when they had possession.

The Saints were held to just 25 yards rushing on four carries while Caston completed four of seven passes for 37 yards with one interception. Caston had three carries for 17 yards, but one of those rushes resulted in him being sacked for a 10-yard loss. Sophomore Cade Wells had one carry for eight yards and one reception for 27 yards.

The defense played well in the first game, holding Amite School Center to just 48 rushing yards. Against Copiah Academy, however, the Saints gave up 146 total yards and two touchdowns.

As for who impressed him the most, Caston was the first name that Rogel said. However, Rogel added that Caston and Wells are still battling for the starting quarterback position.

“He saw a lot of pressure. He approached it without fear,” Rogel said. “He adjusted, got out of the pocket and made the plays. Our offensive lineman did their job tonight.”

Another player on offense that impressed him was McCoy, who played at wide receiver. Rogel said that he didn’t think McCoy was even going to play football this year.

Even though Rogel felt like the offensive line made some strides in the jamboree, he said that it still needs to improve, especially with the quarterback-center exchange. He said that the team needs to cut back on penalties.

Defensive coordinator Chris Bunio said that compared to a week ago, the defense improved greatly.

“We did a good job with tackling, reading the quarterback, reading our assignments,” Bunio said. “Our front seven is our strength. They’re big and fast. Other than a couple of big plays, they did really well tonight.”

Trinity Episcopal begins defense of its MAIS Class A South State and State championships on the road at University Academy of Cenla (formerly Cenla Christian Academy) at 7 p.m. next Friday. The game will be played at Wildcat Field on the campus of Louisiana College in Pineville.