WOODVILLE — Breaking in a new quarterback in the middle of the season is not a situation any coaching staff wants to face.

When a new quarterback doesn’t have adequate pass protection, it makes the task all the more difficult.

Wilkinson County Christian Academy faced this dilemma last Friday against Tallulah Academy, and the results showed: zero points scored in a 20-point loss.

WCCA head coach Sam Byrd said his offensive line would have to improve in the execution of their blocking schemes.

“We had a little trouble picking up their blitzes, and we weren’t able to get anything done because of the constant pressure on the quarterback,” Byrd said.

Sophomore Trenton Hall replaced WCCA starting quarterback Todd Gonda two weeks ago against ACCS after Gonda separated his shoulder.

Hall finished the game 3-for-10 in passes for 68 yards in his first game as a starter.

“He did a good job for us,” Byrd said. “He stepped up in the pocket and tried to make the throws and I’m very proud of the job he did.

“It’s a different atmosphere (starting in your first game). You have to battle through the thoughts running around in your head. He doesn’t get rattled hard, though. We just have to work with our offensive line and protect him.”

Byrd also credited the job his defense did in the loss to Tallulah Academy.

“They had one breakdown on a play when their quarterback scrambled and got behind our secondary,” Byrd said. “The other two touchdowns came after a blocked punt put them on our 30, and another blocked punt was run back.”

Special teams and the improvement of blocking schemes will have to get better if the Rams hope to win their game against Amite School Center Friday.

“They do a lot,” Byrd said of ASC. “They throw the ball around and also run out of the Power I (Formation). They have a first-year staff, which makes it more difficult to prepare for than someone you’ve coached against for seven years.”

Injuries have hampered the Rams this season, and Byrd said there are several players in addition to Gonda that have missed time.

“Linebacker Trey McCants has a dislocated toe, which makes it hard to push off and run with,” Byrd said. “We have a few other injuries we’re dealing with as well.”

Byrd said practice this week has been geared towards helping the offensive line improve their blocking, and he expects the work they’ve done to show Friday.

“We’re looking for the offensive line to set the tone early and let them take control,” Byrd said.