Ferriday High School enters 2016 with high expectations.

The Trojans are coming off 5-6 mark last season, including an LHSAA opening-round 21-20 overtime loss to West St. John.

Ferriday coach Dwight Woods said his squad has learned from last year’s disappointing ending and is eager to reverse its fortune starting Friday night when it hosts Carroll High School.

“We’re expecting big things this year,” Woods said. “The kids have a better understanding of what’s going on. We’re more focused and more disciplined than what we’ve been, but we can always be better.”

Ferriday came back to beat Carroll last year 30-28 after initially falling behind.

Woods said Carroll is a strong offensive team, and his defense will need to limit the amount of time the Bulldogs occupy possession.

“We have to play good run defense and create pressure on the quarterback,” Woods said. “We can’t have (the quarterback) sit back there and find open receivers.”

Woods also said the Trojans will have to establish their rushing attack and play solid on special teams in order to record a win.

“It’s a big game,” Woods said. “It’ll be a tough one.”