Natchez taking things one week at a time

By Michael Kerekes (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Thursday, October 22, 2009

NATCHEZ — There’s no question that last week’s 25-14 win against Jim Hill High School was important for Natchez High School’s chances of making the playoffs.

Even so, Bulldogs head coach Lance Reed said he’s not going to worry about his team’s playoff chances too much right now.

“The win against Jim Hill just gives us one more victory,” Reed said.

“I’m not really going to get into (playoff scenarios) and the different things that can happen. We’re kind of focusing on each week, and letting the playoff scenarios do what they want to.”

Bulldogs fans probably breathed a sigh of relief when learning that junior quarterback Javon Washington was able to start against Jim Hill. Washington was battling bruised ribs last week and was listed as questionable in the days leading up to the game last Friday.

“It’s important, being able to have him out there,” Reed said. “He’s definitely our offensive leader. He’s a third-year starter, so he knows what he’s doing.”

Reed added that Washington is “fairly close to 100 percent” and is feeling a lot better than this time last week.

Practices have been easier to run this week for most area schools, since rain managed to hold off until Thursday.

“We fine-tuned a lot of stuff (Thursday),” Reed said. “We weren’t able to go outside (Thursday), but we got done what we needed to inside.”

Tonight, Natchez is set to host Terry High School, and Reed said he expects a hard-fought game in the first of the Bulldogs’ final two home games this season.

“We’re expecting to see athletic play from their quarterback, and a physical offensive line that will come in and try to control the game with their rushing attack,” Reed said.

“We’re going to have to play assignment football with this team, and we’re expecting a close, physical ball game.”

Keys for the Bulldogs will be their ability to fight fire with fire, Reed said.

“We’re going to have to match their physicality,” Reed said. “We have to make sure we can control the line of scrimmage, get off blocks and make our blocks. Whoever wins the battle up front will likely come out ahead.”

Kickoff for the Bulldogs (5-3, 2-2) will be at 7 tonight.