LAUREL — As Natchez fell 44-28 to West Jones Friday night, the Bulldogs’ playoff hopes were simplified.

“Beat Brookhaven and you’re in,” said Natchez head coach Henry Garner following the loss.

As Natchez lost, Brookhaven defeated Wingfield Thursday and South Jones lost to Wayne County Friday, all three teams are now tied for third in the district with a 3-3 record. The Bulldogs have already defeated South Jones, so a victory against Brookhaven Friday ensures Natchez will get into the playoffs as the team will finish third in the district.

The road to the playoffs could have been more favorable for the Bulldogs had Natchez found a way to hold onto its early 20-0 lead against West Jones Friday.

Touchdown passes from Chris Scott to Travez Lyles and Chris Crockett and an 82-yard punt return by Tydarrius Terrell gave the Bulldogs the 20-0 lead, but then it all unraveled.

“We came out with a whole lot of spirit and intensity, and then, I don’t know what happened,” Garner said. “We were about to score again, and Jalen Pollard was stopped two yards short of the goal line on fourth down. West Jones went down and scored and then we threw an interception that they returned for a score. The momentum had changed.”

In the loss, Natchez quarterback Scott completed 18 of 25 passes for 250 yards and three touchdowns. He also had three interceptions.

Terrell led the Bulldogs on the ground with 62 yards on nine carries. Crockett recorded five catches for 56 yards, while Lyles had five catches for 76 yards and two touchdowns.

Ernest Woods led the team with 10 tackles and a fumble recovery, while Keenan Johnson added six tackles and a sack. Desmond Dawson and Crockett each recorded interceptions for the Bulldogs in the loss.

At 4-5, Natchez will travel to Brookhaven to try and clinch a postseason berth.