NATCHEZ — The toughest challenge of Cathedral’s young football season transpires when the Green Wave celebrate those who have undergone the toughest fight in their life.

In Cathedral’s third annual Pink Wave Project game Friday, the Green Wave will wear pink jerseys with names of those who have battled cancer on the back of them.

“This has really turned into a special thing for our school, alumni, community, and of course, everybody affiliated with cancer,” said Cathedral head coach Ron Rushing.  “It really hits home.”

At 6:40 p.m., the stadium will announce the names on the backs of the Cathedral seniors who have been affected by cancer.

Though the battle on the field could never compare to those fighting cancer, the Green Wave will have their hands full with a 3-0 Resurrection team coming off of a 12-7 win against Salem. The victory was an eye-opener for Rushing, seeing as though his Green Wave lost to Salem the past two seasons.

“(Salem) had everybody coming back, so that’s a huge deal,” Rushing said. “Without a doubt, this will be a huge test for us, but that makes it more enjoyable. I love planning for games like this.”

For the most part, Cathedral has cruised to a 3-0 record. The Green Wave are averaging 434 yards per game to go along with their 43 points per game average. Rushing believes his team will have to stay potent on the offensive side of the ball playing against a veteran Resurrection team.

“Their quarterback is a three-year starter,” said Rushing, evaluating a school that came into the Mississippi High School Athletic Association three years ago. “He’s the coach’s son, so he’s an extension of the coaching staff on the field. He’s good. They have a lot of good, veteran players. Guys who have grown up in that system since it began.”

Because Resurrection’s players are well-equipped with experience, Rushing doesn’t want to show his hand on defense.

“We’re not going to show blitz too early,” Rushing said. “They have some good players at receiver and at two good running backs, so our plate is full.”

Cathedral and Resurrection will kickoff at 7 p.m. in Devereux Stadium.