The level and size of competition will rise for Jefferson County High School this week when the Tigers play host to MHSAA Class 6A Terry High School. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday.

Jefferson County fell to 1-3 overall after losing to Class 2A South Delta, 32-12, last week at home while the Bulldogs (3-1) took care of Port Gibson on the road, 31-6.

“The kids played hard to the end, but there are a lot of things to work on,” Jefferson County head coach James Herrington said. “The offense has to take care of the football and the defense has to create turnovers. We didn’t execute well. Hopefully, we’ve got our worst out of the way.”

Herrington said the defense has played well for the most part. Last week, however, the unit allowed four touchdown passes, including two during a 20-point third quarter that allowed South Delta to open up a double-digit lead.

“From down to down, we play pretty good defense, except for two or three lapses we have. The defense has to stay focused for four quarters,” Herrington said.

Herrington said a win over a Class 6A team in Terry will be huge for the team’s confidence heading into Region 7-3A play in two weeks.

“It’s going to take a great effort and playing mistake-free football. Terry’s our last game before we open district. We have an open week next week. We’re definitely going to be up to the task,” Herrington said.