Ferriday High School is hitting its stride at just the right time.

The Trojans have won its past three games, including last week’s 44-24 win over Northeast High School in the opening round of the LHSAA Class 2A playoffs.

Ferriday will attempt to keep the momentum going Friday night when it travels to face Loreauville High School in a second round tilt.

“The kids have been enthusiastic about getting out and practicing,” Ferriday coach Dwight Woods said. “That makes it a whole lot easier. They are looking forward to practice, and they are looking forward to Friday nights now.”

Prior to its shellacking over Northeast, No. 10 Ferriday beat District 2-2A powers Mangham and Ouachita Christian in consecutive weeks to close out the regular season and claim a share of the district championship. Mangham had reached the state title game the past three years, while Ouachita Christian entered the regular-season finale 9-0.

“We put it in the kids’ minds that they could play with these schools,” Woods said. “They started believing in themselves. The job and preparation the coaches have done has been outstanding. They’re putting in the extra time and going all out in getting the kids prepared.”

Seventh-ranked Loreauville (9-2), which beat Bunkie last week 44-14, will present a similar challenge as OCS, Woods said.

“They really throw the ball well, and they throw it all over the fields,” Woods said. “They run great routes, and they’re always where they’re supposed to be. They do everything they’re supposed to do. They are solid up front, and they’re linebackers flow to the ball quickly.”

Woods said the key for his team Friday night is playing sound football across the board, especially in the secondary.

“We have to come in there be disciplined,” he said. “We have to make sure we run to the ball and have no lapses in coverage; the way they throw the ball, they can hurt you really quick.”

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.