The 331 miles between Natchez and Pratville, Ala., are more than the 275 combined-miles the Trinity football team has logged during its first three games.

The Saints will try to get back on the winning track Friday when they travel to 1-2 Autauga Academy.

“We had this open date on the schedule and the (Autauga) coach called looking for a game,” Trinity coach Graham Roberts said. “We told the kids, and we thought it would neat for them. It will give the kids an experience they’ll never forget.”

Despite the excitement that comes the intrastate contest, Roberts said his squad still has a job to do come Friday.

The Saints (1-2) are attempting to reverse their recent fortunes, having dropped their last two contests, losing 52-12 and 42-13 to Canton and Copiah academys, respectively. The Panthers and Colonels are a combined 6-0 this season.

“Anytime you play those type of teams, you want to be competitive,” Roberts said. “I don’t take losing very lightly. If I’m playing my kids in Candy Land, I expect to whip them.”

Despite his team’s struggles in the last two contests, the first-year coach said he still saw plenty of positives.

“We’re just a step away from making big plays and busting it wide open,” Roberts said.

Roberts said the key Friday night will be to execute and play disciplined.

“We have to contain their quarterback; they have a talented guy back there,” he said.