NATCHEZ — Trinity Episcopal and Brookhaven Academy are both ranked No. 1 heading into their matchup in Brookhaven tonight.

No matter the outcome, both teams will likely leave with their No.1 rankings intact.

But that won’t stop Trinity, the No. 1 team in MAIS Class A, and Brookhaven Academy, Class AA’s No. 1 team, from trying to earn bragging rights. And if last year’s game is still fresh on the Trinity players’ minds, they’ll likely be looking for some revenge.

The Saints failed to score a touchdown in the final minutes of the game against the Cougars last year, losing 25-21. Trinity head coach David King said this year’s contest would be won by the team that does just a little bit more than the other.

“They have a 20-something game winning streak, and those kids know how to win,” King said.

“They won a close game last week by making just enough good plays to beat an improved Centreville Academy team. This week it’ll be two good offenses and two good defenses getting together, and whoever makes the most plays will come out on top.”

King said Brookhaven Academy runs a very balanced attack on offense, and would present the biggest challenge for the Saints defense to date.

“They have an outstanding quarterback and very good receivers. Plus, they just have a good offensive gameplan. It will be the most balanced offense we’ve seen so far,” he said.

It wouldn’t be a good idea to overlook the Cougars defense either, King said.

“Last week they held Centreville to 13 points. I think the most points they’ve given up all season is 17 when they played Simpson Academy,” King said.

“They’re kind of like us on defense. They get lost in the shuffle because they’re offense is so potent, but they’re defense is outstanding.”

With the Saints off to a 7-0 start this season, King said two things have made this year’s team as successful as they have been: senior leadership and new players buying in.

“I think the main thing is these group of seniors. They loved their senior teammates from last year, but they want to prove they can (win a state championship) themselves,” King said.

“The new kids have also bought into the team philosophy. That was a question mark coming into the season, but so far we couldn’t be more pleased with how it’s worked out.”

Kickoff at Brookhaven Academy is at 7 tonight.