Natchez High School football began its 2017 season on a positive note, but head coach Roy Rigsby does not want his team to settle.

The Bulldogs cruised in their season opener against Wilkinson County with a 39-0 drubbing of the Wildcats. So what does Rigsby think the performance means moving forward?

“We’ll see,” he said. “I’m just looking at Jefferson County (next week), and that’s the way we’re going to do it: one step at a time.”

Rigsby was quick to praise his players, yet still encourages them to be better.

“If we had scored 99 points, I’m the type that would be looking at why we didn’t score 100,” he said.

“It’s all about edge, and you always have to push to the next level.”

The Bulldogs also started last season with a victory over WCHS, but failed to win another game all season, finishing 1-10.

So while Rigsby is preaching a “one-step-at-a-time” mantra, he also knows his team has taken a step in the right direction.

In the words of running back EJ Woods, who tallied 109 rushing yards and one touchdown on five attempts and a 24-yard touchdown reception, this year’s Bulldogs squad has grown because their coach preaches responsibility among his players.

“He will hold you accountable,” Woods said. “We had a different mindset last year. We were physically weaker last year, honestly. We also had a lot of selfishness.”

But Woods said the emphasis on accountability has given the team “toughness.”

Not only have the Bulldogs developed in physicality and maturity, but Rigsby said the group also brings a more balanced approach to the field this season.

“We concentrate on efficiency,” Rigsby said. “Last year, we went back, we reviewed the tape, we saw that we were constantly throwing with (quarterback) Chris (Scott) all the time … so we started to develop a running game, and tonight it paid off.”

Scott, who played only the first half, completed 12-of-16 passes for 131 yards and three touchdowns, while eight Bulldogs combined for 230 yards rushing on 22 attempts. The Bulldogs offense also went all game without committing a turnover.

On the opposite sideline, Wilkinson County coach Kenneth Brown, who has spent more than three decades in coaching, commended Rigsby for having the Bulldogs focused out of the gate.

“Hats off to Coach Rigsby and his staff. He did a good job getting the kids ready, getting over the hype and getting ready to play a good game,” Brown said.

Rigsby credited Brown as being a “mentor” helping Rigsby develop as a coach.

“I love Coach Brown,” Rigsby said. “I learned a lot from Coach Brown — how to organize, how to have faith in your coaches, knowing when to get in and get out.”

While the team is happy to be 1-0, Rigsby has instilled a never-satisfied attitude in his squad.

Woods, while commenting on both his individual performance and his team’s, simply said, “There’s always room for improvement.”

“That’s always a good answer,” Rigsby said with a laugh.

The Bulldogs will have a chance Friday to surpass their win total from last season, facing Jefferson County at 7 p.m at home.