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photo by Hannah Reel
Natchez’s Trevon Chatman catches a pass at the 1-yard line before Oak Grove’s Travonte Fenton can tackle him.
Natchez stuns No. 4 ranked Oak Grove 48-45
Published Saturday, October 3, 2009
NATCHEZ — Natchez High head football coach Lance Reed has done many great things during his time at the helm of the Bulldogs program.
Under his watch, the Bulldogs rose from the ashes of two wins in three seasons earlier this decade to winning their first playoff game in over a decade last season.
But there is something that Reed had never done — beat Oak Grove.
Mission accomplished.
The Bulldogs got 392 passing yards and four touchdowns from quarterback Javon Washington to stun the No. 4 ranked Warriors 48-45 in a game that wasn’t decided until the final second.
Photo by Hannah Reel
Natchez’s Joel Davis runs in for a touchdown against Oak Grove during the game Friday night at Natchez High School.
“This is big for us,” Reed said. “We didn’t feel good about our performance last week (a 35-0 loss to Meridian) and we put a lot of effort into (Friday’s) game. We had to refocus and get back to basics and doing things the right way. I’m proud of the kids for the way they responded.”
Natchez trailed 45-42 when they got the ball back following an Oak Grove punt with 3:30 remaining.
It took the Bulldogs just over 90 seconds to score, with Washington finding Santorius Pollard from 10 yards out to give the Bulldogs a 48-45 lead with 1:55 left.
Pollard caught 13 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns on the night, but it was a defensive play he made a few minutes later that might have been the play of the game.
With Oak Grove backed up to its 16-yard line and 35 seconds left, the Warriors ran a halfback pass that worked to perfection.
The play looked like it might go for a touchdown, but Pollard chased down the receiver at the 23-yard line with 20 seconds remaining.
After two incomplete passes, the Warriors brought out Evan Sobiesk to try and tie the game with a 40-yard field goal with six seconds remaining.
However, the kick was wide and the Bulldogs had their upset.
“Santorius Pollard made a tackle that saved the game for us,” Reed said. “He had a big night for us offensively and defensively.”
In addition to Washington’s 392 passing yards, the junior quarterback also rushed for 96 more yards.
“Javon showed the type of player he is tonight,” Reed said. “He stepped up and made tremendous plays for us.”
With the win, Natchez improves its overall record to 4-2 and evens its Region 3-6A record at 1-1.
But more importantly, Friday’s win over a perennial state power showed just how far the Natchez program has come in a short time.
“There were a lot of people from previous years that were happy to see this finally happen,” Reed said. “It’s all about improving the program. Oak Grove is one of the top programs in the state, and for us to beat them says a lot about where we are.”
Comments
Posted by SIOUXLADY (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 8:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
way to go natchez...
Posted by kuntryboi (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
a week ago people wre saying ntz need to get rid of the spread offense,well guess what haterz it worked to perfection this time, way to go bulldogs!!!
Posted by brooks (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 9:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Great job! Coach Reed and the Natchez High coaching staff are reaping the rewards for their hardwork and dedication to the Natchez High School football program. GO BULLDOGS!
Posted by TRON601 (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 9:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I like the spread offense. For once, we are doing something different and productive in Natchez offensively. Running with a fullback and tailback, like some people may want...got old for Natchez. It didnt work when Lyles was there. I dont know how it worked when Denson was there...or what he ran when he came from Rolling Fork, but obviously whatever he did or tried to change...just didnt work. Handsdown, the spread offense opens up options for you. We've had decent receivers in Natchez, even in our loosing seasons. We've instead always tried to run the ball on people. It works, especially if you have a fast tailback and quarterback as threats...which...Natchez does. But it comes down to one major thing...the O-line blocking. In my book, Natchez has progressed here. Furthermore, Pollard is a hell of an athlete to run the spread with. Last week was last week and we should leave it where it is. A loss against #1....LAST WEEK.
Our boys have already won four games this season and we just half way through the entire season. Natchez is in a prime state to win over the rest of the district teams. Hattiesburg and Brandon are teams we cant sleep on this year especially. Brandon has been hanging on to win some good games. Hattiesburg has always been a decent running team and thrive on the run. Just a little of my state preview for all yall Bulldog fans!! Fans keep supporting and Bulldogs keep your heads on straight and keep playing good football. This is a prime year for you all!!!!
Posted by do_it (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The Natchez High "FOOTBALL TEAM" stepped up last night. It was a very good game. I had the time of my life. You played with discipline and you were very aggressive. I just have to give a shot out to my 2 nephews #4 Jeremy and #1 Joel. We were headed to Woodville , but I had that nagging feeling the team was ready for Steve McNair Jr. and OakGrove. WE turned around and headed back to Natchez. Man am I glad we did. I got to give a shot out to my former students:#82 Richard T., #3Darian Johnson, #12Scott Turner, #11 Damien Williams, #20Joseph Perry #8Brian Isaac,#48Calvin Mcknight, #89Cornelius Redden,Davion Ward. To the rest of the bulldogs,"Just Do It". To my neighbor Coach Reed and staff a job well done.
THE HIGH LIGHT OF THE EVENING, WAS ACTUALLY SEEING WORK BEING DONE ON THE TRACK. I HOPE WE GET TO HOST SOUTH/STATE
The next Usain Bolt maybe right here in Natchez.
Posted by cpl (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 2:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hats off to the NHS BULLDOGS. One word sums up last night performance, AWESOME! Coaches and player that was a great game. Lets go and bring back a big W this Friday against Brandon. Since this game was somewhat history to the program, I wished we would have had more coverage by the Ntz Democrat. Nevertheless, stay focused, keep yourself motivated and always stick together as a team, because it just might be that last drive that we need to bring us to victory. Also, I would like to send a special shout out to Trell Pollard- "good game cuz", and Kevochie Pollard, "keep snapping it all the way to the playoffs son!"
Posted by maryhelpme (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am so proud of all the NHS BULLDOGS! I think the coaches did a great job and the players performed!!!!!
Posted by melvind10 (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 6:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
way to go dawgs--you guys did a great job! enjoy the victory,but come monday lets get focused on Brandon. Now perhaps the rest of the community will come out and support the team! STEVE WHO?
Posted by jagdog (anonymous) on October 3, 2009 at 9:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Great job BullDogs! I am not surprised at all with the win over Oak Grove. If you guys continue to play with the same determination you displayed last night the sky is the limit. You all showed the heart of champions. Continue to play up to your potential and let's keep this Dog Train Rolling!!!!
Posted by jaydogg07 (anonymous) on October 4, 2009 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Great job bulldogs defence on some hard hitting last nites.#32 Raymond Williams #9 Zack Evans #6 Zack Brown #4 Jeremy Davis n the rest of the.bulldogs. keep it up!!!
Posted by proudteacher (anonymous) on October 4, 2009 at 5:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Great Job Coach Reed and the NHS Bulldogs!!!!! We knew you could do it! Good job cheerleaders leading the crowd at the game!!! Keep it up, you guys are getting better! Way to support your team Mr. Moore! It's great to have a principal that actually wants to be at the game, not there because you have too!
Posted by do_it (anonymous) on October 4, 2009 at 6:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Guys forgive me; your teacher is getting older. Keep up the good work and continue to work hard, the friuts of your labor will payoff. I need to give a shot out to team members #17Larry Wayne Chatman, Waldron Mosby, Olajuwon Isaac. Jovon Washington, I have not had the pleasure of teaching you, but Coach Davis respects you to the highest. You were awesome Friday Night. I am going to nickname you "The Determine One". Good Luck with Brandon
Posted by rrichardson (anonymous) on October 5, 2009 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Great job Bulldogs and Coach Reed! I couldn't be more thrilled on your win--keep up the good work!
Ryan Dixon Richardson
Class of '97
Posted by tmartin99 (anonymous) on October 6, 2009 at 7:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Javon Washington #10 named MS State player of the week!
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