When the 2017 football season started on Sept. 1 for teams in the Louisiana High School Athletics Association, not many people expected Ferriday High School to be where the Trojans currently are.

But now, Ferriday sits at No. 1 in the LHSAA Class 2A power ratings, No. 5 in the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 2A poll, and not to mention has a record of 4-0 overall and 1-0 in District 2-2A.

“It’s a great accomplishment,” first-year Ferriday coach Stanley Smith said. “It’s a testament to the work we’ve put in. We have a tough schedule. We played a lot of bigger teams from higher classifications. Our goal is to win the district championship and move forward to the playoffs.”

Even Smith admitted he did not believe the Trojans would be undefeated at this point in the season — especially after opening at Class 5A Alexandria High School. The Trojans then hosted Class 4A Franklin Parish High School and then played at Class 5A LaGrange High School.

“I didn’t expect it. If I did, I wouldn’t be telling the truth,” Smith said. “My expectations are high. We have a lot of returning players. We want to finish the season strong.”

For Ferriday, returners means talent, such as Dare Rosenthal, Dantreize Scott, Lewis Matthews, Jerrius Scott and Kobe Dillon.

“It’s an enjoyment every day to come out and work with them,” Smith said. “We’re trying to bring that tradition back to the Trojans. At the same time, I’m enjoying the process.”

Smith said he believes the best is yet to come for the Ferriday football program.

“They (the players) accept the challenge. First year, it’s a challenge (for them) to buy in to what we do. The kids have bought in, and they push each other,” Smith said.

This week, Ferriday will travel to Lake Providence, La. to take on the General Trass High School Panthers, who are 3-1 overall and No. 5 in the Class 2A power ratings. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday.

The Trojans are coming off a 24-0 win over Rayville in their district opener. The Panthers defeated Madison Parish High School last week, 26-14.

“They’re doing some different things offensively. We have to prepare for the run and the pass,” Smith said. “Defensively, they like to put pressure on you.”

If there is one thing Smith would like to see the Trojans improve on it’s getting off to a good start.

“You always want to start fast. I hope it’s something we solve soon,” Smith said. “We want to push the tempo up early and put points on the board in the first quarter.”