Trinity Episcopal sailed its ship Friday night, but the Saints are far from done.

Trinity is on their way to the MAIS Class A state championship game, after securing their spot with a 48-28 victory over Deer Creek School in the semifinals.

“I am so proud of them,” Saints coach Graham Roberts said. “The boys played a great game and they never quit playing.”

Trinity did what it knew how to do, and it did it well. Junior quarterback Sterling Yarbrough passed for seven touchdowns in the win.

“Airing it out, that’s what we do,” Roberts said. “We had our game plan, and we were able to stick with it. We were able to do exactly what we said we wanted to do, and that makes a difference.”

Yarbrough had three main targets on the night, led by Jakarius Caston with six receptions for 209 yards and four touchdowns. He also caught one 2-point conversion.

As Caston broke tackle after tackle Friday, his speed proved to be too much for the Deer Creek defense.

“They had the size to match up, but they didn’t have the speed,” Caston said. “This is nothing but happiness.”

Caston was followed closely by Jared Simpson who ended the game with seven grabs for 111 yards and three touchdowns. He caught one 2-point conversion.

Senior Dee Fleming added 70 yards receiving on five catches and one 2-point conversion grab.

Yarbrough agreed Trinity’s receivers had the simply ability to outrun its opponent.

“They have great speed, and they just used it,” he said. “They really just couldn’t hang with our speed. It’s just as simple as that.”

Trinity’s defense was equally effective on the night, holding Deer Creek to just 159 total yards.

Deer Creek did score first, however, on a 3-yard run from quarterback Walter Warren nearly midway through the first quarter.

After that, Warren had nowhere to go.

The Warriors netted just one yard on the ground during the second half.

“We knew if we could get to (Warren) before he got going, we would have a good chance,” Roberts said. “We were able to do that. The defense played phenomenal.”

Warren passed for two scores in the loss, finding Carter Franks on touchdowns of 58 and 15 yards.

Cade Lackey also rushed for a 10-yard touchdown for the Warriors.

Trinity’s win was not complete without a soaking of Roberts in an ice-cold Gatorade bath just a few seconds after he gave the victory-formation signal to his team as the clock was winding down.

Roberts said despite the chills, he couldn’t be happier.

“They were confident, they were focused and they just played lights out,” he said. “We’re going to the ‘ship.”

The MAIS Class A championship game is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Raider Field at Jackson Academy.

Trinity is slated to play West Memphis Christian School after it notched a win over Tunica Academy Friday, 35-12.

“I would love for Natchez to come out and support Trinity Episcopal,” Roberts said.

With support, Yarbrough thinks the Saints are up for the challenge.

“It’s a whole new experience for all of us, but I think we are ready,” he said.