STEENS — It’s been a long time since Columbus Christian played 11-man football, but on Friday, it returns to Steens.

A move up to Midsouth Association of Independent Schools Class 3A necessitated a move up in roster size.

It’s been an off-season of wide-sweeping change for the Rams (0-0), most notably the addition of former Starkville Academy assistant coach Chris Craven as the team’s new head coach. He brings a track record of success from Starkville, something the program has been searching for in recent years.

Coming off a playoff appearance in 2022 and a 5-6 record overall, that path to consistency is becoming more and more realistic, and it starts on Friday against Benton Academy.

Benton (0-1) lost its opener to Winona Christian, 35-6, last week, and has been trying to find some semblance of success since the beginning of last season, one that ended with a 2-10 record.

CCA gets its chance to restart its 11-man history on the right note at home this week.

Sharkey-Issaquena Academy (0-0) at Hebron Christian (0-0), 7 p.m.

PHEBA — A new season and a new head coach means renewed expectations for Hebron Christian this season.

The 2022 season was the second winless season in program history for the Eagles, who finished 0-10 while scoring just 7.2 points per game.

First-year head coach Nate Carr is looking to change the narrative in Pheba, starting Friday night against Sharkey-Issaquena Academy.

“The team is excited,” Carr said. “The team is hype about the season, hype about each week.”

The only way to go for Hebron is up, and heading into its second season as a 1A school in MAIS, the Eagles are looking to build momentum.

As recently as 2015, Hebron was a highly competitive team, winning six or more games, including two eight-win seasons over a four-year stretch.

With just seven wins since 2016, the Eagles hope to rewrite recent history.

“We’re taking it day by day, week by week,” Carr said. “They’re staying on plan and they’re on board with the gameplan, what we’re trying to do and what we’re trying to change.”

Oak Hill Academy (0-0) at Central Holmes Christian (0-0), 7 p.m. 

LEXINGTON — Last season is one to forget for Oak Hill Academy as the Raiders went 3-7, failing to make the MAIS Class 4A playoffs.

The Raiders have failed to make the playoffs three of the last four seasons, snapping what was a seven-year stretch where OHA made the playoffs six times.

Head coach Bill Rosenthal is hoping to turn things around for 2023, and that begins against 3A school Central Holmes Christian on Friday.

“Everybody’s always anxious this time of year to get started,” Rosenthal said. “Central Holmes, they’re going to be a big challenge for us. They played for the 3A state championship last year. It will be a big challenge for our guys, but we’re ready to play.”

Central Holmes reached a state title game for the first time since 1988, the only state title in program history, and despite a 6-7 overall record in 2022, the Trojans are looking to finish the job in 2023.

While Oak Hill’s aspirations for a 4A state title won’t involve CHA, it’s a great early test for the team to see how they stack up against quality competition.

The big story of the season will be replacing the production of running back John Ross Craven in the backfield, but there is plenty of quality returning for OHA in 2023.

“I’m really excited because we’ve got four senior offensive linemen,” Rosenthal said. “We’re pretty big up front and experienced there. We just have to get a little more consistency offensively, not turn the ball over, and we’ll have success.”