In its first region game of 2010, Straughn will host St. James, and SHS coach Trent Taylor said “it’s going to be a challenge.”

“They’re real balanced as far as offense and defense,” he said. “They’ve got some good athletes all over the place.”

Last week, the Tigers (1-0) put up a 48-14 rout over Geneva, with a solid mix of offensive and defensive effort.

Taylor said in last week’s game, the team did “well,” and everybody got to play.

“Anytime you have a game where you can get everybody in, then that’s a great situation especially with as many kids as we have,” he said.

Straughn currently has 61 active players on its roster.

St. James started its season with a 20-16 loss to city rival Trinity, a Class 3A program.

Taylor said the Trojans have a good quarterback and an experienced defense.

“They’ve got a lot of seniors on defense and a young quarterback who is tremendously talented,” he said. “He’s a game changer, not doubt about it.”

Kickoff tonight is at 7 p.m. in Straughn.

In order to get their first region win, Taylor said the players will have to play in an “up tempo” style.

“We’ve just got to continue to play up tempo on offense,” he said. “We feel like we came of the ball at times last week.”