NATCHEZ — Trinity Episcopal football star Tip McKenzie has run a long way so far in his high school football career. So far the senior has accumulated 8,389 yards, or 4.77 miles, of all-purpose offense in his career and scored 82 touchdowns.

McKenzie said it feels good to have accomplished so much individually, but his focus this season has been on leadership and getting Trinity back to the state title.

“Last year we were state champs and 15-0, and this year we are playing for another,” he said. “Last year we had a bunch of guys that could make plays, and every (aspect of the team) was solid. Now we have younger guys playing big. (As a senior) I am trying to motivate the guys on this team.”

McKenzie said he does have goals set for himself that he would like to reach as well, including gaining 10,000 all-purpose yards and scoring 100 touchdowns in his career.

McKenzie will look to add to his stats today when Trinity hosts Central Private from Baker, La.

Trinity head coach David King said Central Private (1-5) has changed its offensive style this season, and that could present some problems for the Saints’ defense tonight.

“They have been a running team in the past, but this year they have opened it up and are throwing it more,” he said. “If we are not on our assignments we could get in trouble.

“They are not as strong as they normally are, but they are very well coached. They will give us a good ball game.”

The Rebels will have to be careful when they put the ball in the air against Trinity’s defense, however, because the Saints have scored seven times on defense this season, including four defensive scores by McKenzie.

King said he feels like his team still has a lot to prove this season.

“I get the feeling that this team isn’t respected like some of the teams we’ve had here in the past,” he said. “This team has a chip on its shoulder because nobody is really talking about us. I like it that way, but they feel like they aren’t getting the attention they usually get. I think they are ready to prove they belong up there (with past Trinity teams).”

King said he has two goals set for his young team in today’s game against Central Private.

“The main thing is getting the win,” he said. “But we also want to keep getting better and eliminate our mistakes.”

Trinity (5-1, 1-0) and Central Private are scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m.