NATCHEZ — In practices this week to prepare for the Franklin County High School Bulldogs on Friday, Natchez High Head Coach David Haywood said the Natchez Bulldogs have focused on free throws and layups.

Natchez High Bulldogs will host the Franklin County High School Bulldogs at 5 p.m. with the girls’ varsity game being played first, followed by the boys’ varsity game.

In Tuesday’s 77-56 lost to Raymond High School, Haywood said the Bulldogs missed 13 layups and 15 free throws.

“We were supposed to make all of those layups because our guys are capable of doing it. We should be a 75 to 85% free throw shooting team,” Haywood said. “I think we took the court on Tuesday night expecting things to happen just because we’re Natchez.”

One bright spot for the Bulldogs in the game against Raymond was Kedarius Stampley. Stampley totaled 19 points and was 10 for 14 at the free-throw line. Stampley said it’s different to shoot at the free-throw line at home compared to on the road.

“There’s no pressure when we’re playing at home because they’re on our side and not against us,” Stampley said. “While on the road there is more pressure because all of the opposing fans are trying make us miss at the free throw line.”

Friday is also the fifth game out of six games this season the Bulldogs (7-3) will face another Miss-Lou team. Natchez High has not faced Franklin County (4-8) this season, Haywood said.

Up to this point in the season, the Bulldogs have faced both Wilkinson County High School and Jefferson County High School twice. Haywood said it’s good competition for the area to face other Miss-Lou teams.

Natchez High Lady Bulldogs

Before the boys’ varsity game begins, the Natchez High Lady Bulldogs will play against the Franklin County High Lady Bulldogs at 5 p.m. Friday at Natchez High School.

Natchez High Girls’ Head Coach Alphaka Moore said there was a lack of focus coming after the 79-67 lost to Raymond High School on Tuesday.

“Right now, our mindset is not where it needs to be,” Moore said. “We got to step it up. We have lost games that we were supposed to win. It was just on a lack of effort and it’s unacceptable.”

Leading the Lady Bulldogs in scoring is Candy Gray. Moore said Gray has been averaging 15 points a game.

Tip off for the boys’ game is after the girls’ game at 5 p.m. at Natchez High School.