FAYETTE — Led by Javon Washington on offense and a better-than-expected defense, Natchez High defeated the Jefferson County Tigers 42-14 Friday night.

Washington completed 14 of 20 passes for 204 yards and Rico Richardson completed his only pass of the game for 22 yards and a touchdown. Washington also had eight carries for 57 yards and a touchdown.

“We started off slow, but we picked it up,” Natchez High assistant coach Ivan Evans said about the offense. “(Washington) made some nice reads and some nice throws.”

Natchez High (1-0) took a 20-6 halftime lead and pulled away in the second half as the Bulldogs avenged last year’s 30-27 loss at home to Jefferson County. The defense had one of its best games in some time as it forced several turnovers.

“I was pleased with the effort. Tackling was good except for a couple of times,” Bulldogs head coach Lance Reed said. “Defensively, we blocked a punt. We recovered two fumbles and had an interception. We rushed the passer fairly well.”

Derek Matthews led the Bulldogs in receiving with two catches for 52 yards and a touchdown.

Natchez High will travel to the Gulf Coast to take on Gulfport next Friday at 7:30 p.m. while Jefferson County (0-1) plays at Port Gibson at 7:30 p.m.