NATCHEZ — A more relaxed Cathedral football team could convert Friday night’s loss against Oak Forest Academy from a negative into a positive, or at least that’s what Cathedral head coach Ron Rushing is hoping.

In the past, Rushing’s clubs have been synonymous for starting quick, but despite Cathedral’s 7-1 season, the Green Wave have trailed at the half in three separate ballgames.

“(The loss) is out of the way now,” Rushing said. “Now, we can play a little more loose. We have to learn how to start fast. The last five years, we jump out on teams quick, but this year’s team is totally opposite.”

Rushing couldn’t explain the reasoning for his team’s lethargic starts, but he’s been pleased with the way his team has responded in the third quarter, making adjustments and retaking the lead in each of those three games they trailed. If Rushing has his way, his team will start quick against a 5-2 Salem team that’s riding a three-game win streak.

“They’re another big, physical team,” said Rushing, who had to combat Oak Forest’s size with quick passes last week. “They’ve beaten us the last two years, so we know we’re in for a tough one.”

Rushing said his defense is more equipped for spread offenses, so playing against a team that runs the wishbone offense worries him.

“That offense is a little bit more difficult for us to defend,” Rushing said. “We’re going to have to play a lot more people so we don’t wear down as fast. We’ve done well against the run this season. We’ve done well overall, but we’ve given up some big plays.”

The Green Wave will look for their eighth win of the season on the road at 7 p.m. against the Wildcats.