NATCHEZ – When the Natchez High Bulldogs look across the football field tonight, they may feel like they are experiencing a bit of déj vu.

For the second straight year, the Bulldogs are in the playoffs, and for the second straight year, they are meeting the Petal Panthers in the first round.

But while the opponent is the same, so many other things are different for Natchez this season as opposed to last season.

While Natchez was a road underdog last year as the No. 4 seed out of its region, this year they are a home favorite as the No. 2 seed out of Region 3-6A.

And Natchez High players, coaches and fans are hoping this year’s game turns out much like last year’s, when the Bulldogs stunned the Panthers 25-21 for their first playoff victory since 1997.

But Natchez coach Lance Reed knows the Panthers are going to want to take some revenge for last year’s upset loss.

“I feel like they’re definitely going to come in and want to beat us here,” Reed said. “We’ve been discussing that all week. Hopefully we’ll match their effort level and their level of play and make it a good ballgame.”

Natchez comes into tonight’s game on a roll, having won its last four games, including a 29-20 road victory over Hattiesburg last week that clinched a playoff spot.

Reed wants that roll to continue as long as it can.

“This is a new season, and we’re focusing on what’s at stake,” Reed said. “It’s win or go home, and we’re focused on Petal right now. We just keep springborading off each week and getting better. I’ve seen positive things the last few weeks. We’re going to continue that ride and see how far it will take us.”

Petal, meanwhile, is the No. 3 seed out of Region 4-6A and brings a 7-4 record into the game. The Panthers have won four games in a row.

Reed said the key to defeating the Panthers will be to stop their running game and also keep from turning the ball over.

“They have an excellent quarterback who makes plays with his legs as well as his arm,” Reed said. “They are physical across the front and they’re going to run the football. Our defense will have to contain their good running game and excellent quarterback. We’re going to have to slow those guys down and get off the field sometimes.”

And two keys for the Natchez offense will be to not turn the ball over and have junior quarterback Javon Washington continue his solid play.

Two weeks ago, Washington threw for 246 yards and five touchdowns in the first half against Wingfield, and the junior followed that up with four touchdown passes against Hattiesburg last week.

“Javon touches the ball more than anyone,” Reed said. “He has to make good decisions and execute what we’re trying to do on that side of the ball. His play is very important to our offense.”

But Washington is not only dangerous with his arm, but also with his legs. Washington rushed for five touchdowns earlier this season against Jefferson County and also rushed for 134 yards last week against Hattiesburg.

Reed said Washington’s improvement as a runner has added a new dimension to the Bulldogs’ offense.

“Javon has emerged into being a pretty good runner right before our eyes,” Reed said. “He always could throw the ball, but has emerged into a good runner. That has really helped our offense.”

Another difference between this season and last season for the Bulldogs is the emotions of the team going into the playoffs. Last year, the team was happy to be there for the first time in 11 years.

This year, Reed says they aren’t happy with just getting in. They want to make some noise in the postseason.

“We’re excited about being back in the playoffs and our positioning, but we’re not happy with just being here,” Reed said. “We want to compete and make a run in the playoffs. We look at it as a new season. We’re focusing on one game at a time; our record doesn’t matter.”