Natchez High School will be attempting to end an eight-game skid today when it hosts Region 3-5A rival West Jones High School.

The Bulldogs (1-8, 0-5) have fallen on hard times in region play, having been outscored 219-85.

“We have faced a lot of adversity this year,” Natchez coach Roy Rigsby said. “We have new schemes, coaching changes and have had some injuries. But we’re continuing to battle, and we understand where we are, but we’re going to fight through it. There’s a lot of fight in these young men.”

One of those injuries is to quarterback Chris Scott. The junior signal-caller has missed each of the past two games and will be out again today.

Starting in his place has been sophomore quarterback Paul Hargrave.

The left hander started slow in last week’s 42-28 loss to Wingfield, but finished with three touchdown passes and 174 yards passing.

“Paul is growing up and maturing,” Rigsby said. “Being a 10th grader, it can be overwhelming at times. There are going to be some mistakes, but he’s keeping a level head throughout the mistakes, which is key.”

Rigsby said he thinks West Jones (4-5, 1-4) will attempt to establish its rushing attack and lean heavily on its strong defensive front to control the game.

“We’re going to have to max-protect most of the time,” Rigsby said. “With Chris being out, we have to protect Paul.”

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.