CENTREVILLE — After coming into last Friday’s matchup with Wilkinson County Christian Academy on a two-game losing skid, Centreville Academy was just happy to get a win.

The Tigers (2-2) beat the Rams (3-1) to the tune of 36-7, and assistant coach Brian Stutzman said the win gave his team some momentum after the disappointing start to the season.

“We’ve had two good days of practice (following the win), and a victory is a victory,” Stutzman said.

“We did a good job running the ball. Coach (Robbie) Isonhood has done a good job with the offensive line, and he did a lot of new drills that got them into shape. I can’t say enough about him and what he’s done.”

Now, Centreville turns its attention to its first district opponent of the season, Oak Forest. The Tigers travel to Oak Forest Friday for a 7 p.m. matchup.

“We’re in for a big challenge,” Stutzman said. “It’s always a barn-burner. They’re really scrappy — they never quit, and they play until the last whistle blows.

“They’re more of a running team. They can throw the ball a little bit, but their strength is their offensive line and their defense.”

With the Tigers’ district schedule finally here, Stutzman said he hopes the tough non-conference schedule his team has played will have Centreville prepared.

“People who have followed us know we’ve started slow the past couple of years, but we fine-tune everything,” Stutzman said.

“We’re looking to get to the playoffs, and we’re shooting for the No. 1 seed. The No. 1 seed hosts ( playoff games) all the way through South State. It’s a big game this Friday, and it’s going to be a tough one. It always is.”

Wilkinson County Christian

Woodville — Wilkinson County Christian Academy was on the wrong side of the scoreboard in last Friday’s matchup.

The Tigers handed WCCA its first loss of the season, and the Rams were only able to tally 136 rushing yards on the ground. With the game now behind his team, Rams head coach Ray McDaniel said the loss brought his team back down to earth.

“It was a learning experience for the kids,” McDaniel said. “Centreville is a good team; they have a chance to make a run in Double-A.

“It was a chance for us to play against a quality opponent, and we came away knowing what we need to work on and stuff.”

With the Rams struggling to get a running game going last week, McDaniel said he’s making the battle in the trenches a point of emphasis for his team this week in practice.

“We’re focusing on getting tougher up front, especially on the offensive line,” McDaniel said. “We didn’t run well Friday night, and in order to be successful, you have to control the line of scrimmage. We’re really working hard on that this week.”

The Rams will face Riverfield on the road this week for their second district game this season.

“They have a veteran team, and last year they made the playoffs,” McDaniel said. “Their quarterback really makes things go for them. He can run the option and pass the ball, too.

“This is a very important game. It’s a district game, and if you can steal one on the road, that’s also a good thing.”

Kickoff at Riverfield is at 7 p.m. Friday.