NATCHEZ — The tests don’t get any easier for Natchez High School, even on homecoming.

After suffering a 45-0 loss last week against one of the state’s best Class 5A teams in Laurel, the Bulldogs will welcome another highly talented team in South Jones, who is 6-1 this season.

The Braves are led by senior running back Scott Phillips, who has racked up 1,172 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns this season, and Garner said he expects a heavy dose of him Friday night.

“They have a really good running attack,” Garner said. “They don’t throw a lot, and if they do, most of the time it is deep. They lean on their running back, and if he isn’t carrying it, the quarterback will pull it and run. This is a lot better South Jones team than in the past few years.”

On the flip side, Garner said he expects the Braves to bring pressure early and often.

“They like to come with blitzes and pressure to try and confuse you a bit,” Garner said. “But I don’t think it is anything we can’t control or handle.”

Although the chaos of homecoming surrounds the game, Garner is viewing it as a positive thing.

“It is hectic, but I am trying to keep the guys focused on the real meaning of homecoming, the game,” he said. “It is a good time for the people to come and be around and stand behind these kids, but I want them to stay focused.”

At 1-1 in district play, Garner said the win would also be a major boost of confidence for his team moving forward.

“Taking this game against a good club like South Jones, that would take our morale up,” Garner said. “It would be a good step for us. The guys have been having great practices and it seems like that is on their mind as well.”

The Bulldogs and Braves are scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff.