LAUREL — The confidence stemming from beating Provine 35-7 last Friday has carried over for the Natchez High School Bulldogs.

Fresh off of its first district win, (2-2) Natchez will take on the reigning Class 5A champion (2-3) Laurel Golden Tornadoes.

Last season, the Bulldogs took it to Laurel in the first two quarters, leading the Tornadoes 28-13 in the closing minutes of the second quarter. However, Laurel came out in the second half and flexed its muscle, beating Natchez 62-34.

“Last year, we played one half,” Natchez head coach Henry Garner said. “We’re trying to put four quarters together (tonight). All of the players remember that game last year.”

So far this season, Laurel has struggled at times. The Tornadoes most notable loss came in the form of a 34-32 loss to Hattiesburg, where Laurel gave up a 32-6 lead with four minutes left to play in the game.

Even with three losses, though, Garner understands the quality of athletes Laurel possesses, starting with returning starting quarterback Keon Howard, who committed to play for the Memphis Tigers before the season.

“He’s been good for them, but we believe we can match up with them,” Garner said. “They have big guns with players like (Octavious) Cooley on the outside, but I think we can find ways to slow them down.”

Garner said his Bulldogs offense has yet to come together like he’s wanted, but sophomore quarterback Chris Scott and the unit has continuously improved.

The Bulldogs will challenge the Tornados in an away affair at 7 p.m. tonight.

“I can’t wait,” Garner said.