Being head football coach at Natchez High School wasn’t something Henry Garner was actively seeking.

As the long-time assistant coach walked onto the field 30 minutes before his first home game as interim head coach, he watched his team warm up and said, “These kids needed help, so I said I could help them.”

Those words have almost become cliché at this point, with many coaches around the country declaring it’s all about the kids. That’s the appropriate attitude, but how many coaches actually put the kids above winning games? To some degree, it’s like reverting to the answer Jesus in Sunday school when a question is asked. Do you really believe that answer, or are you just saying it because you’re supposed to?

Garner’s sincerity is unmistakable. Before I got to spend time with Garner and get to know him, I polled coaches in the area about him, and they all said the same thing about him — “He’s a great man, who will do anything for the kids.”

When Garner was approached about the head job in the summer, his initial response was, “You couldn’t find anybody else, huh?”

“They told me, ‘Nah Coach, we want you,’” Garner said, laughing. “The confidence they’ve shown makes me feel good, whether they really have that confidence or not.”

The core of Garner’s Natchez Bulldogs had enough confidence to stay at the school instead of transferring during that time of transition. Those same kids desperately want to bring pride back to Natchez High, especially the seniors.

An hour before kickoff against Jefferson County, Natchez players trickled onto the field in spurts, stretching and warming up before the game. Senior wideout Malik Byrd came out five minutes later, telling every player to get back into the locker room.

“What are y’all doing,” Byrd asked. “Head back. We’re going to walk out together like a team, like we did last year.”

That’s senior leadership for you. And though vocal instruction is important from veteran players, seniors like Byrd, Dalvion Jackson, Tommie Wells and Keenan Johnson made the most noise with their play on the field Friday night.

On the third play of the game, Byrd made a cut, separating himself from the defensive back in the middle of the field. Quarterback Chris Scott threw a perfect dart, giving Byrd the ability to catch and turn up the field. With nobody in front of him and enough space between him and the cornerback, I turned to whomever I was standing by on the sideline and said, “Well, he’s gone.” Byrd flew down the field for the first score of the game.

After the Bulldogs took a 13-0 advantage, Jefferson County started to gain some traction on offense, driving the ball inside Natchez territory. But it was seniors Johnson and Wells turn to make plays on the ball. After Johnson forced a fumble, Wells recovered, shook a few Jefferson County players and returned the ball inside Jefferson County’s 20-yard line. The play set up an eventual Tydarrius Terrell touchdown. Speaking of Terrell, football fans need to see his speed in person. I’m convinced he’s the most elusive player in the area.

Last, but certainly not least, Jackson made his presence felt throughout the game. The linebacker who missed the Wilkinson County game because of an injury returned against Jefferson County to lead the team in tackles.

On the surface, Natchez is a flashy, fun football team to watch. Scott has had a slow start to his season, but you can ask anyone who’s watched this sophomore quarterback throw the ball, the potential is there. With Terrell making guys miss and Byrd running past defenders, the Bulldogs are undeniably entertaining.

But Friday night, I saw the side I wanted to see from this team. I saw poise, and I saw leadership.

That trickles down from the head coach.

The players know they’re talented, and that’s because they feel the support from the coaching staff, who have vehemently expressed their belief in the athletes.

It’s amazing what people can do when they feel the love and support from others.