NATCHEZ — After defeating Trinity Episcopal Day School in a jamboree contest last Thursday, Adams County Christian School head coach David King traveled to watch University Academy in person.

What he saw from the team he’ll face in the season opener Friday night was an athleticism that resembled the Trinity Saints.

“Their defensive backfield reminds me of Trinity,” King said. “They have a lot of good athletes. You’re average fan doesn’t know, but I’m going to tell you, those Caston boys made some tackles in the open field that most kids don’t make in that jamboree.”

Leading the charge offensively for University Academy again this year will be Peyton Gauthier, who threw for 2,554 yards and 37 touchdowns in MAIS Class A last season. This season, University Academy will play in MAIS Class AAAA, and Friday night, Gauthier will lead his offense into the season against the Rebels.

ACCS frustrated Gauthier last season, limiting him to only 67 passing yards and forcing him to throw two interceptions in a 46-14 ACCS victory.

But heading into the new season, King knows his team won’t have the same type of explosion on offense that it had last season with standouts Trey Fleming, Torrey Smith and Lester Wells all having graduated. Instead, King will rely on his stingy defense that held the Saints to 33 yards on their first six possessions in the jamboree.

“My whole focus is to make sure we get out there and do not turn the ball over,” King said. “I want to establish the run, and make sure that we’re able to tackle their athletes in open space. We did that well against Trinity, and these are similar athletes as to what Trinity’s got.”

ACCS will play at University Academy with a 7 p.m. kickoff Friday.