Many’s offense continued to make strides after a slow start this season, but the defense is struggling to get stops as the Tigers fell 64-40 to St. Mary’s on Friday.

For the second straight week, Many (0-4) scored at least 35 points after combining for just seven points in the first two games.

Many struck first as they turned an interception into a Jonathan Anderson rushing touchdown.

But it’s the last time the Tigers led as St. Mary’s (2-2) scored the next three touchdowns via the ground to lead 19-7.

Many closed to 19-13 on Anderson’s second rushing touchdown of the night, this one a 4-yard plunge.

But St. Mary’s separated by scoring the next 17 points (36-13), which included a 51-yard passing touchdown and an 18-yard field goal.

Many got as close as 36-26 after rushing touchdowns by Daniel Thomas and Anderson, but St. Mary’s went on another large run by scoring 21 straight.

It’s a St. Mary’s offense that scored a combined 36 points in its first three games and hadn’t scored more than 17 points in any single game.

Many’s defense has allowed its last two opponents to score at least 60 points and has allowed an average of nearly 52 points per game.

Many now goes to the opposite ends of the opponent spectrum, going from Class 1A St. Mary’s to Class 5A Alexandria Senior High.

The Trojans are 4-0 with wins against reigning state champions Union Parish (Division III Non-Select) and Opelousas (Division II Non-Select).

ASH has scored at least 40 points in each game under the offensive wizardy of coach Thomas Bachman, who took the program to a state title game in 2020.

After ASH, District 3-2A will provide opportunities for wins, and a possible season turnaround.

Many will play four of its final five games in a district in which they haven’t lost a game in 39 contests, winning 10 straight district titles.

But if the Tigers want to stay king of the that hill and protect its years-long unbeaten streak, they’ll need the defense to grow up quickly and string together stops.