photo by Hannah Reel

Natchez’s Javon Washington looks to make a pass during the game against Warren Central at Natchez High School Sept. 11. The Bulldogs will host Meridian High School at 7:30 tonight.

Natchez High School to host defending 5A state champions

By Michael Kerekes (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Thursday, September 24, 2009

NATCHEZ — Natchez High School used its off week last week to work on its situational offense and defense.

“We needed to work on first downs defensively and offensively,” Bulldogs coach Lance Reed said. “We also needed to work on third and longs defensively and offensively.

“Our red zone offense also needed some work. We basically tried to focus on things we specifically weren’t doing well.”

Reed also said he liked the competitive spirit he saw in last week’s practices.

“I felt like we got some quality work in,” Reed said. “We had some competitive practices, and hopefully we got better.”

The Bulldogs players and coaches look for that quality work to pay off, as they are set to host Meridian High School tonight.

“They’re the defending 5A state champions,” Reed said. “They’re well-coached and have a lot of good athletes who will be very competitive. It’s good to play the best, because it lets us know where we are (as a team). We’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Four games into the season, Reed said his team has used the results so far as a measuring stick for success.

“The first four games serve as a model to critique and improve some things,” Reed said. “We feel like we’ve worked hard, but ultimately it’s a matter of getting better.”

Natchez has not been immune to the seemingly daily doses of rain the area schools are getting, and Reed said the weather conditions have served as a way to prepare for playing under those same conditions.

“It’s been really wet. We’ve been out in the elements and feel we’ve had to work in the elements in order to learn to secure the ball better and get our footing down (when it’s wet).”

In addition to those things, Reed said play execution and being able to finish games in the fourth quarter are things his staff has been focusing on this week.

When the Bulldogs face the Meridian defense tonight, Reed said his team would have to rise to the occasion if it wants to be able to move the ball down the field.

“They have a great defense. They’re fast and run around a lot, so it will be a challenge for us. We have to accept that challenge and be able to (make things happen), especially in the red zone.”

The Bulldogs (3-1) are set to kick off at 7:30 p.m.