JACKSON — Trinity Episcopal head coach David King can be hard on his players sometimes.

His son Kent, a junior running back and defensive back for the Saints, knows that all too well.

But after Trinity defeated DeSoto School (Ark.) 37-7 Friday afternoon to win the MAIS Class A state championship, the Kings shared an embrace and a moment that not a lot of fathers and sons get to share.

And sharing that moment with his son is what made this state championship stand out from the two others David King has won as coach of the Saints.

“The first one is always unbelievable,” King said. “And then the second one we had (Stevan) Ridley and a couple of other guys hurt, and to pull that one off was great. But this one was different because I’m a father on this team. My son played, and that was special for me.”

And Kent King made his father proud on Friday, stepping in when starting running back R.J. Fleming had to leave the game in the second half due to cramps.

King rushed nine times for 79 yards and scored on a 10-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter that put the game on ice.

“I had to come in and make a big play when (R.J.) came down with cramps,” Kent King said. “I just had to step up and do it.”

The two Kings have an interesting dynamic on the field as coach King must replace father King when practice and game time rolls around. And that can sometimes be a little troublesome for Kent.

“It has its ups and downs,” Kent said about his dad being the coach. “He’s harder on me than anybody else, but I love him to death. It feels great playing for him and winning the state championship together.”

And that bond between father and son is something that will never be broken.

“As hard as I am on that poor boy, to have this goal that he and I share together is special,” David King said. “It is something we’ll have for the rest of our lives.”