The Trinity Saints start their 2000 football season Friday in a home-opener against Union at 7:30 p.m.

Head coach David King said the match-up is not one he would have picked for his opening game.

&uot;They’ve got a veteran ball club, and they’re going to be tough,&uot; he said.

Union, which is located in Georgetown, near Hazelhurst, runs a pro-set offense, and their quarterback throws well and often, King said.

But Union’s main threat, King said, is No. 22 – running back Jason Tullos.

&uot;He’s a tough back,&uot; King said. &uot;He really hurt us last year.&uot;

The wounds were apparently not fatal, however, as Trinity defeated Union last year.

&uot;We were lucky,&uot; King said.

&uot;On paper it’s a real mismatch, and we’re the ones at a disadvantage,&uot; he said.

Union has about 20 players to Trinity’s 15, King said, and Union’s linemen average 220 lbs., compared to Trinity’s line average of 160 lbs.

&uot;The kids are working hard, but with so many people having to play at different positions, it won’t be easy,&uot; King said.

To try to combat Union’s two-pronged attack, &uot;We’ll probably do some crazy things to keep the crowd up and hopefully keep us in the game,&uot; King said.

&uot;We have a brutal schedule, but we’d like an early win to get some momentum,&uot; he said. &uot;We hope we’ll start the year off right.&uot;

However, &uot;this is a non-district game, so while a win would be nice, if we get out of this with no injuries and some improvement, I’ll be happy,&uot; he said.

His team is excited and ready to start the season, King said.

&uot;We’re the underdog, but we’ve know that all along, and we’re ready for it,&uot; he said. &uot;When little is expected from you, it’s easy to perform better than people thought you could.&uot;

With Adams County Christian School hosting the only other local game Friday, King hopes to have significant fan support.

&uot;We need it,&uot; he said.