After a flat performance last week against Dexter, St. Aloysius coach B.J. Smithhart expects something different when the Flashes celebrate homecoming tonight against University Christian.

St. Al needs a win to stay in the crowded Region 4-1A playoff race. The 30-3 loss to Dexter dropped the Flashes to 1-4 overall and 1-2 in the region.

University Christian (1-3, 1-2), playing in its first season in the MHSAA since jumping from the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools, lost a tough 37-30 decision to Salem last week.

It was against Salem where the Flashes shined brightest this year with an emphatic 41-16 rout. In their other four games, however, they’ve only scored two offensive touchdowns and a total of 26 points. Despite the uneven play, Smithhart feels his team will be up for tonight’s game.