NATCHEZ — Trinity, in its quest to win back-to-back state championships, hosted the Wayne Academy Jaguars Friday night in the first round of the MAIS Class AA State Playoffs. The game was over by halftime.

Trinity posted 34 points in a seemingly flawless first half. Wayne Academy’s only points came late in the game after the Trinity starters were taken out after leading 41-0. Wayne Academy scored two touchdowns late in the game, bringing the final score to 41-13.

Trinity’s defense was top notch, holding the Wayne Academy offense to under 100 total yards and forcing three first half interceptions before being relieved in the second half.

“We came out nervous. They had a good game plan. They showed us things we’ve never seen,” Trinity head coach David King said. “ Our players are athletic and they forced (Wayne Academy) to turn the ball over”

After a first-drive Kent King touchdown, Tip McKenzie intercepted a Wayne Academy pass and ran it back 52-yards for a score, giving Trinity a 14-0 lead.

The other two turnovers were a diving interception by Jake Winston and 58-yard interception return by Nick Partridge that was called back because of a block in the back penalty.

Each penalty put the Saints in scoring position, and each time they capitalized on the Jaguars mistakes.

Trinity played error free football for the most part, committing just six penalties and turning the ball over once. Their only turnover was a muffed kickoff return late in the fourth quarter that was recovered by the Jaguars. By then, however, the game was out of reach.

Kent King managed two more scores in the game. He scored a 3-yard run in the second quarter and a 7-yard run in the third quarter. Kent King’s final score gave the Saints a 41-0 lead.

Givonni Dent threw two touchdown passes in the second quarter, both of which were 25-yard scores. The first was to Tip McKenzie, the second to Jake Winston. Dent’s first incomplete pass came late in the first half. He was 7-9 with 126 yards and no interceptions.

“(Givonni) was solid tonight. He passed well,” David King said.

Trinity’s offense “wasn’t as sharp” as David King would like, he said, and he feels they can improve. The offense managed 306 yards, 130 rushing and 176 passing.

Trinity’s offense managed only eight first downs, but that was because of so many big plays and quick scores.

In the second half, after the Kent King touchdown, the starters were pulled for a breather and the Saints ran the clock out to secure the first round playoff win.

Trinity will host University Christian next week in the second round of the Class A playoffs.