JACKSON — The Natchez High Bulldogs needed a victory over Wingfield on Thursday night to clinch a spot in the Class 6A soccer playoffs, and after a sluggish start, the Bulldogs delivered with a 5-0 victory over the Falcons.

The Bulldogs’ season got off to a bad start with several injuries and first-time players, but Natchez is playing its best soccer of the season when it matters the most.

Natchez defeated Jim Hill 4-1 on Tuesday night before its 5-0 victory over Wingfield on Thursday to put them in the playoffs.

Thursday’s game was played on a wet, sloppy field and the play showed, as neither team could get many scoring chances.

Natchez finally cracked the scoreboard when Kent Calvit slotted a pass across the goal and Mohammad Khatib booted it home in the 21st minute for the only goal of the first half.

The second half was all Natchez, as the Bulldogs continuously peppered the Wingfield net with shot after shot.

Calvin McKnight scored for the Bulldogs in the 10th minute of the second half after a poor defensive clear by the Falcons.

Seven minutes later, Corey Adams split the defense with a perfect pass to Calvit who knocked in a goal to put the Bulldogs up 3-0.

Chaze Kyzar, who normally plays the sweeper position, was moved to striker and delivered by ripping a scorcher past the diving goalkeeper in the 20th minute.

The Bulldogs put the finishing touches on their overpowering victory in the final minute, when Corey Adams powered a shot through the Wingfield keeper’s hands and into the back of the net.

Natchez will travel to play Ocean Springs in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs Tuesday.

The Bulldogs have one final regular season game today at cross-town rival Cathedral.

The girls game will begin at noon and the boys game will follow at 1:30 p.m.