NATCHEZ — It has been a different start to the season than the Trinity Episcopal Day School Saints (0-2) hoped for, but head coach Zach Rogel is sure his team isn’t down and out.

“It’s not as high as it could be,” said Rogel of the team morale. “But we are taking the necessary steps to get there. We can cure all that with our performance Friday.”

Next in line for Trinity is a trip to Central Private (1-1), who is coming off a 22-6 win against Christian Home Educatory Fellowship. It was the first win for Central Private since the 2012-2013 season after going 0-10 last year.

“I’ve been pleased,” said Central Private coach Joey Sanchez of his team. “We’ve gone week by week, and the kids are learning the system more and continuously improving.”

Both coaches said they see some challenges that the opposing team will present in the game, but the challenges couldn’t be more opposite.

“We’ve done a lot of study work on them,” Rogel said. “They are big up the middle. They have a big offensive line and two big defensive tackles.”

Sanchez and the Rebels will be forced to deal with the speed of Trinity.

“They are very athletic and very talented,” Sanchez said. “We’ve got our hands full. We’re going to have to find a way to match their speed and athletic ability to have some success.”

With his team needing a win to get the wheels turning, Rogel stressed the importance of unity.

“I just want them to start playing as a team,” he said. “Realize that this team is bigger than any one person and just go out there and give 100 percent for your teammates, school and coaches.”

A win on Friday would be the first in Rogel’s tenure as Trinity’s head coach, but that isn’t what is important to him.

“I want the kids to get a win,” Rogel said. “I want them to have the experience of success and to be rewarded for the hard work they have put in. For me, I guess it would just mean I’m doing my job.”