The Bulldogs’ offense ran Wilkinson County’s plays and Natchez’s defense was charged with having to stop them.

“Day 2 of practice is all about that physical interaction,” Pete said. “We’re running their plays and watching how our players react, meanwhile, we’re trying to formulate what formations we’re going to run on defense and how to exploit their offense.”

Pete was displeased with the way his team executed defensively in the practice, as running back John Ferguson reeled off long runs against defensive coordinator Dan Smith’s defense.

“We’re going to have to be better than this,” Pete said.

Wednesday

The game might as well be played Wednesday afternoon.

In some ways, it is, at least in Pete’s mind.

“Oh, it’s on,” Pete said. “We go out, execute the game plan and scrimmage at the end of practice every Wednesday.”

The test of attrition Pete presented to his team simulated the type of adversity and physical confrontation the Bulldogs would see Friday night, foreshadowing Natchez’s first test of the season.

Thursday

For most football coaches, Thursdays are designated walkthrough days. Pete is no different.

However, just because the team dresses out in shorts and shirts doesn’t mean the team can take its time running onto the practice field.

“Everybody back,” said Pete, irritated with the way his team ran out to line up on the field. “Keep going, out of the gate… Now, get out here!”

Individual drills followed by some last-minute touchups on Friday’s game plan were ran to keep the players’ minds and bodies sharp, all the while getting their legs back underneath them for Friday’s contest.

Friday

Despite Pete’s appreciation for gameday’s arrival, his demeanor changed an hour before kickoff.

Pete, who shares a fine balance of joking around with players and coaches and disciplining them with tough love, flipped a switch, dialing up the intensity for the hyped kickoff.

Pete was in full game mode by the time his Bulldogs received the kickoff and trotted out their offense on the opening possession. Pete, who made the calls on the field, charged himself with play-calling duties. The Bulldogs ran a dive straight down Wilkinson County’s throat for a 16-yard gain on the first play of the game. Scott ran to the sideline, and Pete was quick to push him back towards the huddle.

“Same thing,” Pete hollered. “Run it again.”