NATCHEZ &8212; The Bulldogs downward spiral was prolonged for at least one more week, as Natchez lost its third consecutive game, this one a 38-6 loss to Brandon.

&8220;We just got outplayed tonight,&8221; coach Lance Reed said. &8220;They were a better prepared team tonight, and that&8217;s what happens when you play a team that is better prepared than you are.&8221;

Natchez seemed to still be reeling from its recent losses, as the team gave up 17 points in the first quarter. The shell-shock didn&8217;t last long as the team was able to score in the second quarter to bring the score to 17-6 at halftime.

&8220;We had a chance, but they came out and scored on the first possession after the half,&8221; Reed said.

The one bright spot for the Bulldogs was the return of quarterback Jason Bruce, who played but still showed some signs of his lingering ankle injury.

&8220;He played the entire game, but he was still a little gimpy,&8221; Reed said. &8220;I don&8217;t know if he was able to trust his foot like he wanted to.&8221;

Reed cited the Bulldogs inability to run the football and bad field position as the chief reasons for the loss.

Part of the reason for the poor field position was the Bulldogs&8217; three turnovers.

It&8217;s hard to find many positives in a 38-6 loss, but Reed said he was pleased with the play of Johnny Williams on defense. Reed also said wide receiver Kendall Logan had a good game and made some nice catches.

Next week the Bulldogs will play at home against Jim Hill.

&8220;We are going to come back next week just see where we are,&8221; Reed said.