NATCHEZ — After cruising to wins in its first three games of the season, the Cathedral football team hit its first road bump last week against Stringer. But the Green Wave managed to roll over that obstacle and squeak out a 36-33 win to remain undefeated.

This week Cathedral (4-0, 2-0) and coach Ron Rushing are trying to prevent a let down against Region 4-1A opponent Salem, after such an emotional, come-from-behind win last week, Rushing said.

“We have to make them aware that no matter what level the highest of the highs are you have to avoid slip ups and falls,” he said. “We feel like the last couple of weeks we haven’t improved. This week we are concentrating on getting better.”

Rushing said Salem (4-1,2-1) presents a challenge with its running attack.

“They are big up front, bigger than Stringer, and they like to run,” he said. “We have got to know our assignments and maintain gap responsibilities.”

One aspect that Cathedral can fall back on in close games is its offense, which Rushing said has made his job easy this season.

“We have athletes everywhere,” he said. “It makes it easy to call plays, and everybody on the offensive line is doing a great job.”

Rushing said his team will need to be sharp in all three aspects of the game to win Friday.

“I think special teams will be big,” he said. “We have to win field position. The defense has got to stop the run, and we’re going to keep throwing.”

Rushing said with 10 teams in the district, it is important to win each game to keep up with the pack.

“We talked about one loss could throw us down to a third of fourth seed or even out of the playoffs,” he said.

Cathedral will travel to Tylertown to face the Wildcats. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday.