WOODVILLE — Both coaching staffs at Natchez High School and Wilkinson County High School already got a good look at what each other will try to do Friday in the 2011 season opener in Woodville.

Both teams participated in the Natchez High jamboree last week, and both coaches said they used that opportunity to do some scouting for their match-up Friday.

“Basically we know what they will do, and they pretty much have a good idea what we will do,” Wilkinson County head coach Kenneth Brown said.

Brown said his coaches scouted Natchez during their jamboree contest against Hazlehurst.

“Basically they’re still Natchez High School,” he said. “They are still going to try to pass the ball and line up in the spread. They will run it too, but most of their game is to pass the ball first. We have to pressure the quarterback (Derrian Johnson) some and not give him time to do what he wants to do.”

Natchez coach Lance Reed said his coaches got a similar look at Wilkinson County when they faced Jefferson County in the jamboree.

“We know they have some really true weapons on their team,” Reed said. “We have to contain those weapons, in particular their quarterback (Devin Voorhies) is a very talented kid that we are going to have to contain.”

Reed said he also used last week’s jamboree to pinpoint some of the areas where his team needs some work.

“We’re making entirely too many mistakes in the scheme right now,” Reed said. “That contributes to the lack of experience, and it’s things of that sort that, as coaches, we have to do what it takes to get them where they need to be. We need to sharpen the scheme and minimize errors.”

Reed said the team that makes the fewest mistakes and limits turnovers would have the best chance to win Friday.

Brown said his team has similar issues, and they focused on polishing up their play this week in practice as well.

“Our (offensive) backfield is young, with mostly ninth and 10th graders with no real game experience on the varsity level,” Brown said. “When you have a young backfield, including quarterback, it makes it difficult sometimes.”

Brown said one thing that will help his young skill players is a veteran offensive line, which is the strength of his offense.

Brown said the performance of the offense would be the key for his team Friday.

“I think the key for us will probably be if our offense can put some points on the board,” he said. “I think our defense is a little more (physical) than (in previous years), and they don’t mind getting after it.”

Brown will be taking the field for the first time as a varsity head coach Friday, and he said he has been asked numerous times whether he is nervous.

“I tell them, ‘No, not right now I’m not,’” he said. “I’m just trying to get the field in order, and get things in shape, and I’ll let the coaches do what they are supposed to do.”

Brown said a win against Natchez would be a huge early season boost for his squad.

“If we put up a win against Natchez, a 6A team and we’re 3A, it will definitely give (us) a boost, and let (us) know we can play. If we can play with Natchez then we should be able to compete with anyone else in our district and on our schedule,” Brown said.

Reed said a win in the Bulldogs’ first game would get them off to a solid start on their season.

“A win for any team to start the season gets you off to a good start with a long season ahead of you. You always want to get the season started off with a win,” Reed said.

The Bulldogs and Wildcats will face off at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Woodville.