NATCHEZ — Trinity Episcopal took the first step toward its goal of repeating as MAIS Class A state champions Friday — a resounding step.

The Saints held opponent Prairie View to just 84 yards rushing and 33 yards passing en route to a 54-8 blowout win Friday night.

“It felt great to start the season. This team is really special,” said Trinity running back Kent King, who finished with 160 yards rushing and a touchdown.

“We all get along a lot, and the new guys that came in have really meshed well with what we’re trying to do. No one here is selfish. We don’t care about stats, just winning games.”

Trinity head coach David King said he was pleased with the improvements his team made compared to its performance last Friday in the Cathedral Jamboree.

“We had some moments where we looked good on offense. I thought we looked poor on defense in the first half, but we were better in the second half,” David King said.

Trinity set the tone early with three first-quarter touchdowns.

The first one came on a 24-yard reception by WCCA transfer Tip McKenzie with 10:34 left in the quarter. Quarterback Givonni Dent added a 17-yard touchdown carry and Kent King also scored on a 50-yard run.

“I just knew the speed factor was on our side, so we tried to spread it out tonight. Prairie View played hard, and they’ll get better as the year goes on,” David King said.

In the second quarter, Daniel Dunaway scored on a 5-yard touchdown run, and Tanner Cage caught a 19-yard pass with 2:51 to go in the half.

Trinity’s offense didn’t see the ball the entire third quarter thanks to two defensive touchdowns off interception returns. Eric James got the first pick and ran it back 30 yards, and McKenzie followed up later in the third with a 60-yard interception return.

Prairie View scored its lone touchdown with 9:28 to go in the fourth, a 23-yard reception by Hunter Binns from quarterback Cody Smith.

Trinity’s last touchdown came on a 78-yard fumble recovery with 3:20 left in regulation.

Kent King, who’s been hampered the last few weeks by a groin injury, wasn’t at his usual safety position on defense. Although he said he was happy with his performance on offense, he wants to get back to playing on both sides of the ball.

“I did alright. I just have to get in better shape. I don’t want to do too much too fast,” Kent King said.

“It’s frustrating at times, because I want to be out there on defense as well, but they did well tonight. I have faith in my boys (on defense).”

Dent finished 4-for-8 in passing with 40 yards and a touchdown. He also had 47 yards on the ground with a touchdown — something Saints fans aren’t used to seeing from him.

“He’s a totally different player this year. His footwork is much better, and he’s done some good work in the weight room and improved his speed,” King said.

Trinity (1-0) will play at East Rankin next Friday.