The entire season has seemed like an uphill climb for Tallulah Academy.

The Trojans started the season 0-3, then clawed their way back to .500 with a win over Union Christian last week. Now, just when it seemed like they can see the summit, there’s another mountain to climb.

Tallulah (4-4) hosts Central Hinds (7-1) on Friday in the first half of a grueling pair of back-to-back games. The Trojans face undefeated Trinity next week for the District 6-A championship.

Despite Tallulah’s average record, Central Hinds coach Todd Montgomery said he was wary. Tallulah has averaged 40 points per game and won four of five since its rough start. Quarterback Hunter Windham threw for 295 yards and and five touchdowns against Union Christian.

“They’re a scrappy bunch,” Montgomery said. “We have to go over there and play hard-nosed football and outphysical them.”

Adding to his caution, Montgomery said he’s been underwhelmed by his own team’s performance recently. Although the Cougars have won three in a row since losing to No. 4 Brookhaven Academy, the edge that was there early in the season has worn off.

“Once we made it through September, it seems like every game has been a trap game for us. I don’t know if we’re overconfident, but we’ve been flat,” Montgomery said. “We’ve got to get back in a groove and get back on a roll. We’re playing well. We’re not playing with the intensity we need to be a playoff-caliber football team.”