If games only lasted two quarters, St. Aloysius might be one of the better teams in MAIS Class 4A.

Unfortunately, of course, games have four quarters and the Flashes are still trying to figure out how to win the last two.

Their 28-0 loss to Columbia Academy last week was the fourth this season that resulted in a loss after being a one-score game at halftime. Head coach Walker Mosby said the Flashes’ first halves have been encouraging, but they need to find a successful formula for the second heading into the last two games of the regular season.

“You can show the guys right there that they can compete with anybody. They’ve proven that,” Mosby said. “We’re not a bad football team. It’s not 42-0 at halftime, it’s 6-0 at halftime. When you come out there the second half it’s got to be like the first. You’ve got to have the same fight and the same drive you did the first half.”

St. Al (1-7) has two more chances to figure things out, starting with this Friday’s home game against Manchester Academy (1-6). Although at first glance it seems like a match-up of two struggling teams, it’s actually a big game in the Class 4A playoff race.

St. Al is battling Centreville Academy and Lee Academy (Clarksdale) for the Nos. 8, 9 and 10 seeds in the 4A bracket. The No. 8 seed gets to host No. 9 in the first round. No. 10 goes on the road to play No. 7, which right now is Wayne Academy.

Centreville is currently in the No. 8 spot, followed by Lee and then St. Al. The Flashes will need some help to move up, but definitely need to beat Manchester to have any opportunity to do so.

“I want to make the playoffs. I believe we have a shot to make the playoffs,” Mosby said. “But we’ve got to handle our business for these next two weeks and fight to make sure that we’re in. And then if you win these next two weeks, who knows where you end up in the seedings?”

While a win against Manchester is important for playoff position, Mosby said it’s also vital just to get some positive momentum.

St. Al has not scored an offensive touchdown in its last three games. All three wound up as losses despite being one-score games at halftime.

Mosby took the blame for the offensive swoon, saying the reasons have ranged from his own playcalling to penalties and execution that he needs to coach his players better on. He just wants it all to improve and get the Flashes another win.

“I’ve done a terrible job offensively, so we have to get going there. That’s something we’re going to take a big, big focus on this week is offense and perfecting what we’re going to do,” Mosby said. “Our defense has played amazing this whole year. I’ve got to help us out at some point offensively.”

FRIDAY’S AREA GAMES
All games start at 7 p.m.
Manchester at St. Aloysius (Radio: 101.3 FM)
Warren Central at Vicksburg (Radio: 105.5/107.7 FM)
Porter’s Chapel at Wilkinson Christian (Radio: 104.5 FM)
River Oaks at Tallulah Academy
Port Gibson at Leflore County