Natchez High School’s ground game was held in check and the Bulldogs turned the ball over three times as they lost to the West Jones High School Mustangs in an MHSAA Region 3-5A game Friday night, 46-15.

“It’s a game we need to learn from. We had too many mistakes. We’re going to learn from it and get better,” Natchez High coach Roy Rigsby said.

The Bulldogs’ rushing attack, which has been the strength of their offense this season, was halted by West Jones’ defense. Joe Davis was the leading rusher on the team with 79 yards on 16 carries, but as a team Natchez High had just 99 yards for the game.

Chris Scott completed 9-of-18 passes for 102 yards, but he also threw two interceptions. Paul Hargrave went 3-for-5 passing for 24 yards and one touchdown, a 16-yarder to Dedarrius Jackson.

Rigsby said the game turned between the end of the second quarter and the midway point of the third quarter.

“Too many turnovers, and it seemed to snowball on us,” Rigsby said.

The Mustangs (4-2, 1-1) led 20-7 late in the first quarter and never looked back, taking advantage of the Bulldogs’ miscues.

Natchez High (4-2, 1-1) hosts South Jones at 7 p.m. next Friday for homecoming.