NATCHEZ — The Natchez High Bulldogs won’t be playing a District 3-6A opponent tonight when they take on the Ferriday Trojans, but Bulldogs coach Lance Reed expects it to feel like a district game.

“When we look at Ferriday, we look at them as a district opponent,” Reed said. “They are as good as anyone in our district.”

That’s because the Trojans have a wealth of talent on their roster, including a Mississippi State commitment, wide receiver Devante Scott.

And despite Ferriday being a Class 2A school and Natchez in Class 6A, both Reed and Trojans coach Chad Harkins know there isn’t much difference in the first-team talent.

“I don’t think talent-wise they’ve got much of an edge on us,” Harkins said. “They’ve got the edge in depth, but our guys are definitely up to the challenge. I don’t think athletic ability is going to be an issue.”

The two teams met in Ferriday last season, with the Bulldogs pulling out a hard-fought 12-6 victory.

Reed said his players can look back on that game and know tonight’s contest will be difficult.

“We know it’s going to be a really competitive game,” Reed said. “We’re expecting it to be physical and hard-nosed, and we’re looking forward to that.”

In addition to depth, one advantage Natchez might have is the fact that they are playing their third regular season game, while tonight’s contest is Ferriday’s season opener.

“A big key for us is to be in game shape,” Harkins said. “We only played the jamboree last week and a scrimmage, and Natchez has had that plus two games. A big key for us (in practice) this week was to work on our endurance. We’ve got a long way to go on that part of it.”

Both teams have explosive offensive capabilities, with Natchez averaging 37.5 points per game in its two victories and Ferriday rolling up 27 points in a 24-minutes jamboree against Vidalia last Saturday.

Both coaches said containing the other team’s offense will be a key to victory.

“We can’t give up the big plays,” Reed said. “We want to be able to contain those guys and make them drive the field. I think in the long run, if we can limit their big plays, that gives us a good chance (to win).”

Harkins said if Natchez wants to make the Trojans drive the field, it’s OK with him.

“We’ve got some guys who can score in a hurry, but we need to run the ball effectively and control the clock,” Harkins said. “That’s a big key this week and something I feel we’ve definitely got to do. We have to be able to control the clock and not let (Natchez’s) playmakers get the ball in their hands.”

While tonight’s game is a big measuring stick for each team, Reed said it’s also a big game for the community.

“It’s always good for two local teams to compete against each other,” Reed said. “It’s a great chance to bring the community together to cheer their team on. It’s really exciting for everyone.”