NATCHEZ — Natchez High School begins a new season of sorts Friday, and there’s an extra level of newness as the Bulldogs are set to host Wayne County High School.

Wayne County will mark the first regional game for NHS since the school moved down from Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A to Class 5A in the offseason.

Bulldogs head coach Lance Reed said his team would have to come out with a strong intensity level, especially since divisional games determine whether or not NHS will make the playoffs.

“We’re really trying to pick up the intensity, because as we play, we’re going to have to play a little more intense,” Reed said. “We’re trying to have them practice with a little more effort and preach that we have to get better and step up for this game.”

After a 27-6 loss to Warren Central two weeks ago, Reed said the Bulldogs (2-2) have a lot of room to improve, especially coming off a bye week.

“A lot of stuff was lacking in that last game,” Reed said. “We get to redeem ourselves, and we’re really preaching to the players that these are the (games) that count right now. We really have to improve on our last outing.”

Reed also said he’s hopeful having a week off helped his players heal from some bumps and bruises they collected along the way.

“We feel like we were able to get some kids healthy and focus on some areas from the last game that we needed to get better, so we’re hoping it’s beneficial for us,” Reed said.

The Bulldogs are also hoping to see some improvement from quarterback Anthony Robinson, who made his first start against Warren Central two weeks ago. His line from that game: 17 of 28 in passing for 99 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions.

“Anthony is going to be fine,” Reed said. “He’s just going to have to keep his confidence, and he’s our guy at quarterback. He’ll keep improving.”

NHS will host Wayne County (2-2) at 7 p.m. Friday.