NATCHEZ — Trinity Episcopal was able to put Prairie View away early last Friday in a 54-8 victory.

The Saints likely won’t have it as easy this Friday.

Trinity travels to East Rankin in Pelahatchie for a 7:30 p.m. game, and Saints head coach David King was very complimentary of his team’s opponent this Friday.

“They’re a AAA school, and they’re a very good defensive team. They’re well coached, and they have 11 athletes on defense,” King said.

“They have a good front four that put pressure on you, and seven linebackers and defensive backs that can run. They have team speed and aggression.”

But facing quality opponents early is something King wanted for his players, he said.

“We want to play competitive football every week in order to get better. This will allow us to get the kids on the road in front of a big crowd in order to prepare us for later on,” King said.

In order for Trinity to come out on top, special teams are going to have to play well against East Rankin, King said.

“Special teams will be a big part of this game. Typically with AAA teams, because of more coaches and players, you’re better on that side of the ball. I feel like it’s going to be a big part of the game,” he said.

So will conditioning, especially if the score is close going into the fourth quarter.

“We feel like we’re in pretty good shape. Early on in the year, we don’t want to make too many mistakes, so playcalling will probably be conservative because field position will be important early on in the game,” King said.

Saints quarterback Givonni Dent showed an aspect of his game he didn’t show last year, when he tallied 47 yards rushing against Prairie View.

“I worked hard during the summer and did a lot of cone and rope drills in order to improve my running skills,” Dent said.

“I felt like I had to step it up with R.J. (Fleming) graduating.”

Dent said he would have to play smart football as a quarterback against such a stout defensive unit as East Rankin.

“I’ll have to take advantage of what they give us, and try to hit more underneath routes,” he said.

“They’re a AAA school, so they’re probably well coached, but I think we can take them. I’m not saying we’ll win big though. Whatever happens, happens, and hopefully we’ll come out on top.”