NATCHEZ — Another week, another top-notch opponent for the Natchez High Bulldogs.

This week’s challenge are the Wayne County War Eagles.

“In preseason, I think they were in the top 10,” said Natchez head coach Melvin Pete. “They’ve got a defensive line that is something, and we are trying to combat against the nose guard.”

Natchez (3-1) is coming off a bye week, something Pete said they used as a learning tool.

“We are still learning,” he said. “We were just trying to right some wrongs. The thing about it is, we have to get better. You can’t ever think that you have arrived. We just have to get better.”

Wayne County (3-1) enters the game off a 27-7 win against Gulfport. The War Eagles have held opponents to just 30 points this season, and their lone loss was a 17-7 battle against Oak Grove, last year’s 6A state champions.

Although the odds may be stacked against them, the Bulldogs’ leaders are stepping up in a big spot.

“Right now, we have one or two leaders,” Pete said. “I was happy that Sidney (Davis) finally stepped up and said that this is a district game, and things are a little bit different. For him to step up and say something, it means a lot.”

With a tough test ahead, Pete has singled out a few things that he believes will allow the Bulldogs to stay in the game with Wayne County.

“We have to contain the read zone and their quarterback,” he said. “Offensively, we need to establish the run. I think if we can do that, we can actually throw the ball. But we have to establish the run, because I think it is better for play action.”

Kickoff between Natchez and Wayne County is scheduled for 7 p.m. at War Eagle Stadium in Waynesboro.