NATCHEZ — Most people expected Trinity to have a drop off after last season’s state championship.

After all, star player Steven Ridley graduated and the Saints were moving up to Class AA.

But after seven games, Trinity has shown it is still a force to be reckoned with.

The Saints are 7-0 and ranked No. 2 in Class AA after last Friday’s 52-0 win over Tallulah and look as strong as ever.

“We weren’t picked very high in the AA standings (before the season),” coach David King said. “Not a lot of people envisioned we’d be as good as we are. I really like this group. We have the ability to get the ball to a lot of people and have them score when they get it.”

With Ridley dominating every facet of the Saints’ offense last year, a lot of Trinity’s other players didn’t get a chance to shine. But they are making up for it this year.

“We were always certain these kids could make plays,” King said. “A lot of them are seniors and want to go out and make their mark. We were very successful in Class A for the past 10 years and now we want to prove we can compete in AA as well.”

Meanwhile, Huntington is also sporting a high ranking in its class midway through the season.

The Hounds (5-2 overall, 5-0 MPSA District 6-A) are ranked No. 3 in Class A after pounding Riverdale 38-0 on Friday.

“We’re improving every week,” Huntington coach Chad Harkins said. “That is the most important thing. We hope to peak at the right time and drive towards the playoffs.”

Harkins said the key to the Hounds outstanding start has been the togetherness of the team.

“We are really coming together as a team,” Harkins said. “There have been games where things such as penalties have gone against us which could have gotten the kids real frustrated, but they’ve held it together. They’re young guys, but are getting better every week.”

Huntington relies on tailback Jody Cottongin, who rushed for 129 yards in the Hounds’ win over Riverdale last week. Harkins said getting him the ball is key.

“Every time he’s carried the ball 19 times or more we’ve won the game,” Harkins said. “It’s very important we get the ball in his hands.”

While Trinity and Huntington are essentially locked into the playoffs, WCCA is still fighting for a spot.

The Rams dropped a key district game to Tensas on Friday, falling to 4-3 overall and 3-3 in District 6-A.

They basically must win out to hope to get one of South A’s two wild card spots.

“We have to keep winning,” WCCA coach Sam Byrd IV said. “If we can do that, we’ll be in pretty good shape.”

Byrd said he hoped the team would be a little better midway through the season, but he doesn’t have much to complain about.

“I thought we’d be a little better than we are now, but I’m pleased with the effort,” Byrd said. “Some of the breaks aren’t going our way, but I’m pleased with how this team is doing so far.”

Meanwhile, Centreville, ranked No. 5 in Class AA is just zeroing in on its Nov. 2 meeting with Trinity that should decide the District 5-AA championship.

Centreville (6-1, 5-0) routed Silliman 40-14 on Friday night and will take on Amite School Center for Homecoming this Friday.

ACCS is struggling through a winless season so far, as the Rebels are 0-7 following a 35-6 loss to Parklane on Friday.

ACCS will host Porters Chapel this Friday.