FERRIDAY, La. – Ferriday head coach James McFarland said his 9-1 Trojans had not been truly tested the entire regular season.

When the Trojans host the Redeemer-Seton Rams at 7 p.m. Friday for a first-round Class 2A playoff match-up, school may well be in session.

The Rams, who went 6-4 in the regular season, are primarily a passing team, led by senior quarterback Donald Allen and senior split end Kevin Marrero, McFarland said.

&uot;Passing is their strength. If we are going to have a problem, it will be against a passing team,&uot; he said. &uot;But we haven’t had too many problems on defense.&uot;

McFarland’s confidence is mirrored in the defensive backs responsible for stopping the Rams’ aerial attack – senior Fred Jones and sophomore speedster LaKendrick Nix.

&uot;I don’t wear No. 1 for nothing,&uot; Jones said. &uot;All we need to do is stay focused and play like we’ve been playing.&uot;

&uot;I look forward to the challenge,&uot; Nix said, adding that the projected inclimate weather will not change the defensive game plan. &uot;If it rains or not, I’m still coming with my ‘A’ game.&uot;

Even though Redeemer-Seton must travel all the way from New Orleans, McFarland said he doesn’t think the game’s location will have much effect on its outcome.

&uot;If we had to go there, I think the trip would be secondary,&uot; he said. &uot;Our objective would be to stay alive. You stay alive by winning.&uot;

The Trojans didn’t have much trouble winning this season, but their only loss – a 22-14 decision to McCall – cost them the district title.

&uot;We don’t talk much about the loss any more,&uot; McFarland said. &uot;We would have liked to have been district champs, but we’re looking at the bigger picture. We want a championship.&uot;