NATCHEZ — The bigger they are, the harder they fall.

That’s the mindset of Cortez Adams, a versatile Trinity Saints playmaker who stands at just 5’6”.

Such thinking is fitting for a Trinity Saints team that has played four opponents already that are at least one class bigger than they are. The Mississippi Association of Independent Schools AA Saints have played two AAA teams and two AAAA teams, amassing a 1-3 record.

For Saints players, it’s like stepping into the lion’s den, expecting to have scratches and battle wounds after doing battle against a team that outnumbers them. And having such a mindset, creates a compelling storyline game-in and game-out. Take Adams, for instance, who blocks as an H-back in the backfield from time-to-time.

“I’ll brace my feet and ready myself,” Adams said. “I know I’m going to get run over, but if I can allow my man to get by me, it’s a success.”

Scheduling bigger opponents was a strategy chosen by Rogel for multiple reasons. Of course, it helps with power points, so when it comes down to seeding in the playoffs, Trinity’s strength of schedule should be the most impressive in MAIS AA. To go along with power points, it also gives his players a unique opportunity to play some of the best teams in the association in bigger classifications, forcing them to compete against playoff caliber teams in the early goings.

“It wasn’t just me who made this decision,” Rogel said. “I consulted with my leadership group and we thought it best. We’re going to have to get lucky with some injuries, though.”

So far Trinity has taken its share of lumps. Joseph Harris is lost for the season with a ruptured Achilles tendon. Skill players Cade Wells, Demond Fleming, C.J. Chatman and Adams have all been nicked, but if you ask the players, they wouldn’t want the schedule to be any different. Chatman, for example, relishes the opportunity to prove doubters wrong.

“People don’t expect us to win,” Chatman said. “Everybody has their doubts because people think these teams are too big for us,” he said. “We end up pulling through, though, and I’m proud of my team.”

Against Silliman Institute, an MAIS AAA opponent, the Saints fell 20-15 in Week 1. The Saints rebounded fast with a 55-22 win against University Academy in Week 2, beating an MAIS AAAA opponent. The Saints fell to 1-2 the following week in a 35-22 loss to the MAIS AAAA Copiah Academy.

“I felt like we played pretty well,” Rogel said. “We could have actually been 3-0 after those first three weeks.”

After falling to Riverfield 62-61 Friday night, the Saints now look ahead to district play, ready to pick on teams their own size. Up first is Porter’s Chapel this Friday, and Adams feels more than ready to start district play off with a bang.

“I think it betters us as a team,” Adams said. “They beat us in numbers, and with this week after week, when we play smaller teams in district play, it’s like setting them up for the kill.”

Going 1-3 with tight losses to teams bigger has Rogel proud, despite the losing record. After all, Trinity isn’t supposed to win against these bigger opponents, let alone compete.

“Watching them nearly win these games and compete to that level, how can you not be proud of them?” he asked.