NATCHEZ — Today’s soccer match between Natchez High and Cathedral will feature two coaches who have known each other since 2006.

Bulldogs Head Coach Josh West played for the Green Wave’s Head Coach Dennis Hogue at Natchez High in 2006-08.

West said Hogue is still his mentor and he still tries to bounce ideas off of Hogue.

One of the ideas West said he bounced off of Hogue was having the Bulldogs watch a professional soccer match during practice on Wednesday before today’s match against the Green Wave.

“A lot of these kids have never studied the game, and they need to see where they need to be as far as position and how those professionals play,” West said. “Then, I’m going to make them write notes on the rules if they know them or not. Hogue congratulated me and said that’s something he does.”

Today’s match is the second home match for the Bulldogs.

Natchez hosted Bogue Chitto on Nov. 14 for the first home match. The Bobcats won 4-1 and spoiled the Bulldogs’ home opener. In the match against the Bobcats, Tabius Woods scored in the 28th minute on a breakaway shot.

The Cathedral Green Wave come into today’s match after a 1-0 win over Parklane Academy on Tuesday night. Kennedy Wilson scored on a pass from Peyton Wilson.

Hogue said he can’t wait to face West.

“Josh has gone from being just a great kid when I coached back in the day at Natchez High, to an awesome young man,” Hogue said. “It’s going to be a fun match.”

To prepare for today’s soccer match, Hogue said he has pushed the imporatnace of playing “Cathedral” soccer.

“A controled, up-tempo pace with quality touches, smart passing and strong finishing,” Hogue said. “But be prepared for the unexpected.”

When West played for Natchez in 2006-08, he said this match against Cathedral had more emotion to it.

“This was because we had relationships with the other players on their side,” West said. “We played with each other often. It was emotional, and we wanted to make sure we had bragging rights. The times have turned now, and I don’t think it’s as personal now with our kids.”

To prepare for the Green Wave, West said he has continued to teach the Bulldogs more about the nuances of soccer. He added a lot of the Bulldogs are still raw, meaning first- and second-year players.

The match is set to start at 5:30 p.m. today at Natchez High School.