NATCHEZ — The Ferriday Lil Trojans scored two first-half touchdowns then leaned on their defense to take care of the rest as it beat the Miss-Lou Saints 12-0 in a pivotal 11-12-year-old youth football game Saturday.

Both teams entered the showdown 3-3 with just a handful of games remaining.

“We performed OK, but we could have performed better,” Ferriday coach Jameel Green said. “We have some more hard work to put in. We have some guys out with injuries, but we’re going to come back and hit it hard next week.”

Ferriday (4-3) utilized its rushing attack to set the tone early, leaning on the 1-2 punch of Jestin Garrison and Le’Re’Ontaye Carter.

Carter provided strong runs up the middle defense to soften the Saints defense, and Garrison provided the speed to the outside.

The duo combined to rush for 80 yards.

Garrison also got it done with his arm as he tossed a 36-yard scoring strike to Kenya King for the second score of the game.

The Saints had their chances, driving deep into Lil Trojans territory in the second quarter and also missing on a potential touchdown on the second play of the game.

Running back Damion Marshall’s pass off a truck play fell out of the outstretched arms of wide receiver Karlicio Glenn.

“Mistakes, penalties, those hurt us,” Saints coach Patrick Davis said. “We had a touchdown (on the pass). We’ve got to make those happen.”

Marshall led the Saints with 41 yards rushing.

“We couldn’t get the offense going,” Saints coach Patrick Davis said. “They controlled the ball, they controlled possession. I think in the first half, we got seven plays to their 20. It’s hard.”

Glenn added a fumble recovery in the second half.

“We played very well on defense,” Green said. “We still have a lot of hard work to do to get better.”

Carter opened the scoring with a short touchdown plunge on the game’s opening drive.

Aqueri Green had an interception for Ferriday.

The Saints will attempt to get back on track next week against the Bogue Chitto Lions.

“We have to win next week,” Davis. “We’re going to work on our offense so we can control the ball. We’re going to put the work in to make sure we win next week.”

Ferriday, meanwhile, travels to Tallulah, La.

“We have to come out prepared like we did this week,” Green said. “We just have to get ready to play.”