The Natchez High School Bulldogs scored two first half goals to defeat cross-town rival Cathedral 2-1 Friday night.

The Bulldogs took the lead early in game when Ross Smith put the ball in the back of the net six minutes into the first half on a penalty kick that resulted from a hand ball being called Cathedral goal keeper Logan Brown.

With 21 minutes to go in the first half, the Green Wave answered back when Eric Hollowell used a chip shot to cross the ball in front of the net to teammate David Jenson. Jenson then headed the ball past Bulldog goalkeeper Jeremy Buckles to tie the game at one goal apiece.

The scored remained tied until the Bulldogs scored the go ahead and eventual game winning goal in the 31st minute of the first half. Kent Calvit put the Bulldogs ahead by scoring off a deflected ball from the Brown.

Strong defense was prevalent during the second half as both teams failed to register any second half goals, despite the Green Wave having 14 total shots goal, doubling the Bulldogs’ seven total shots on goal.

Natchez head coach Dennis Hogue said he was pleased with his team’s performance.

“I’m tired after this one,” he said. “I was holding my breath for most of the game.”

Hogue said the Bulldogs have not been successful as of late in close games. He said Cathedral is a second-half team, and he was pleasantly surprised by the second half shut out.

Cathedral head coach Rick Freeman said he attributed the loss to squandered opportunities and poor decisions on the field by the Green Wave.

“They (Natchez) deserved to win,” said Freeman. “We did not look like the more experienced team.”

He said his team controlled the ball well, but poor passing foiled several scoring opportunities.

“It just goes to show that good hustle and hard play can make up for a lack of experience,” said Freeman.

In girls’ soccer action, the Lady Green Wave escaped with a 1-0 victory over the Natchez Lady Bulldogs by scoring the game-winning goal in the 72nd minute of the cross-town match up.

Cathedral had several opportunities early, but strong defense by the Lady Bulldogs kept points off the scoreboard.

Ultimately the Lady Green Wave wore down a substitute-less Natchez squad, and Tess Fairbanks broke the scoreless tie when she scored the game’s only goal off a deflection in the 72nd minute of the contest.

Natchez girls head soccer coach Lena Yarborough said she thought her team played a good hard-fought game, especially since the Lady Bulldogs had no substitutes.

“Cathedral had a strong defense. She said. “It was frustrating, but we played well.”

Cathedral girls head soccer coach David Gaude said his team had a lot of shots on goal, 23 total, but said the Lady Green Wave could connect.

Gaude was also complimentary of the Natchez defense.

“They had a strong defense,” he said. “Their goalie had a great game, she had a lot of saves.”

He said despite the low score, he is always glad to pick a win in the cross-town rivalry.

“We needed the win, and we are happy to have it,” said Gaude.