photo by Hannah Reel

Natchez’s Javon Washington looks for an open pass during the game against Oak Grove Oct. 2 at Natchez High School. Natchez will hit the road Friday to take on Brandon High School. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Win last Friday has Natchez feeling good

By Michael Kerekes (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Tuesday, October 6, 2009

NATCHEZ — Natchez High School’s thrilling 48-45 win over Oak Grove High School last Friday gave head coach Lance Reed a chance to learn something new about his team.

“I learned that this team is capable of doing more than it had shown me previously,” Reed said. “It showed me glimpses of promise, but it still has more work to be done.”

The win also helped the Bulldogs’ chances of making the postseason, Reed said.

“It put us in better shape in the district race and playoff contention,” Reed said. “It gave the kids a chance to bounce back from the disappointing loss to Meridian.”

The star of the game for Natchez last Friday was quarterback Javon Washington. Washington was 21-for-35 in passing with 392 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. He also had an additional 96 yards rushing.

“Javon’s a tremendous athlete and a good person,” Reed said. “He comes in and goes to work. He’s self-motivated and is going to fight until the end.”

Washington said his ability to execute the plays made the difference for him last Friday, and that the win was huge for his team.

“It’s something we haven’t done before — we’ve never beaten Oak Grove,” Washington said. “It gives us confidence (going into this week).”

The Natchez coaches also had praise for the Bulldogs offensive line, and junior lineman Justin Hamilton felt good about the unit’s performance against Oak Grove.

“It’s important for him (to get good blocking from us) because he needs time to make decisions and get plays out,” Hamilton said.

The next test for Natchez will be on the road against Brandon High School Friday.

“They’re a run-oriented team,” Reed said. “They have a good running back and a good scheme on offense. Defensively, they have a lot of guys who fly around. It’s definitely going to be a tough opponent.”

Reed said red zone offense would be a focal point this week in practice in order to be ready Friday.

“Offensively, we have to keep executing, and we’ve put a big emphasis on red zone production. When we get down there, we have to put points on the board.”

Washington said he expects Brandon to try and isolate the Bulldogs’ big play potential.

“I think they’re going to try and take away the deep pass,” Washington said. “Hopefully that will open up the shorter route, but I still want to be able to throw the deep ball.”

Hamilton feels that intensity will be the biggest factor for the Bulldogs Friday.

“We basically just have to come out and play hard, and do what we do,” Hamilton said.