The Jefferson County Tigers will look to end a three-game losing streak then host long-time rival Port Gibson High School for homecoming at 7 p.m. Friday.

Jefferson County (1-4) had last Friday night off, which allowed head coach James Herrington to make the short trip to Port Gibson and watch the Blue Waves defeat South Pike 30-12 to go to 3-2 on the season.

“This one that doesn’t lack in incentives,” Herrington said. “First (region) game, rivalry game and an opportunity to break a three-game losing streak. This is a big game.”

Herrington said his team has been working on conditioning, staying sharp, and getting back to the basics.

Herrington said what impressed him the most about what he saw from Port Gibson last week is their speed.

“They’re very fast and very aggressive. They seemed to be well-conditioned, and they play very well at the quarterback position. Their overall team speed stands out.”

The grizzled coach said the key matchups to watch will be the play of each quarterback — Jefferson County’s Rah’Kendrick Reynolds and Port Gibson’s D’Marious Hicks.

“They have a pretty good quarterback, and we have a pretty good quarterback as well,” Herrington said. “They bring different things to the table. Hicks uses his speed to hurt defenses. Reynolds is more of a pocket passer, but can run the football. He’s more of a power runner than a speedy guy.”

Herrington said the keys to success for his team is to win in all three phases.

“We need to pick up up first downs and move the sticks, and take opportunities to score when they present themselves. Defensively, contain the quarterback not allow him to get chunk yards. Play good on special teams like we have all season.”