NATCHEZ — Just one game stands in between Trinity Episcopal’s quest for a state championship and an undefeated season.

The Saints will play Tri-County Academy from Flora in the MAIS Class A state championship game at 12:30 this afternoon at Millsaps College in Jackson.

Trinity head coach David King said he feels good about his team after practice this week, but the game will come down to the little things, as always.

“The kids are energetic,” King said. “We feel like we had a good film session Sunday, and we followed it up with good workouts. We’re ready to go.

“A lot of senior vets know how important this game is, but all in all, it’s still high school football. You have to deal with things like turnovers, because they can come back and bite you.”

King also said it’s not just the chance to win a state title that’s on the line today.

“We’re proud to represent Natchez, the prettiest city in Mississippi,” King said.

And King said he was glad that all four Natchez teams were able to make the postseason this year.

“Our kids love coach (Ron) Rushing (at Cathedral), and they have friends at Natchez High and ACCS,” King said. “We’re proud of what the other teams were able to accomplish this season.”

Trinity had one final practice Thanksgiving evening, and King said he thinks his players enjoy being out on the practice field, even if it’s a holiday.

“On one hand, you want these boys to be with their family all day on Thanksgiving,” King said. “At the same time, we’re like an extended family, so we all like to be together too.

“They like going out there under these lights, and it’s the last time we’ll have these seniors on (Trinity’s) field, so they’re excited about their last Thursday night.”

King said the most important part about his team winning a state championship to him is the fact that he gets to help his players accomplish their goals.

“For a coach, the process is what’s fun,” he said. “I enjoy the practices with these kids. For these boys to work so hard for a common goal, and to achieve it, that carries on into life.

“There’s a process to being successful, and this is a good place to learn that. I’m honored to coach these players, and I know they’ll be successful in whatever they do.”

But nothing is going to just be handed to the Saints, and King said Tri-County Academy would bring a formidable team to the field today.

“They’re well coached and very disciplined,” King said. “They’re 14-0 for a reason. They seem to do everything well, like tackling and blocking. They’re the kind of team that scares you, because they won’t beat themselves.”

As far as Trinity goes, the keys to the game will be the same ones as last week, King said.

“You have to play with intensity, tackle well and create turnovers,” he said. “If you can do those three things, you have a chance to win any game.”