NATCHEZ — Trinity Episcopal head coach David King doesn’t like making excuses.

But King admitted Thursday that his team would be running a little short-handed tonight when the Saints (6-1) host Prairie View Academy at 7.

“We’re just going to use these last two weeks for us,” King said. “I’m never one to talk about this sort of thing, but we’ve have some injury and eligibility issues we’re having to work through.”

Specifically, King said running back Daniel Dunaway finally opted to have surgery after sustaining an ACL injury against Silliman several weeks ago. He also said running back all-purpose athlete Tip McKenzie was questionable with an upset stomach. King said there were additional injuries as well.

“It’s stuff I don’t really like to discuss, but we’re going to use it as motivation,” King said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Daniel. He’s one of those guys that left it all out on the field from peewee football on. We always want to accomplish the big goal, which is win a state championship, and we’d like to do it in honor of him.”

King also said Dunaway would still be with the team on Friday nights, even if he’s not on the field. And the team will definitely miss him on the field, King said.

“He’s one of those kids that was very versatile,” King said. “He could run, block, catch and tackle. He played hard every snap, and that leadership quality was there.

“He’ll get on the sidelines and help coach. He’s just that kind of kid. These kids are like brothers to him.”

So with a number of players sidelined, King said game preparation for Prairie View hasn’t been the main focus of practice this week.

“They’re a good ball club, but we just have to focus on the situation at hand,” King said.

King also made mention of the Clarion-Ledger’s MAIS poll, which currently has Trinity ranked No. 1 in Double-A. King respectfully disagrees with that assessment.

“By no means are we the No. 1 team in Double-A,” King said. “Centreville and Simpson Academy are the best two teams (in our league). A lot of that is because of injuries and issues we’re dealing with, but that’s no excuse. It’s just a part of football. We’ll be in the thick of it, we just need to iron out these issues.”

One positive for Trinity this week is homecoming activities. Although some coaches don’t like the distractions that come with homecoming, King said he personally enjoys it.

“All of it’s good for the school,” King said. “I like to see the homecoming court represented and all the old faces coming back.”