NATCHEZ — The Natchez High boys soccer team needs one more win to earn a spot in the Mississippi High School Activities Association playoffs.

The Bulldogs are No. 2 in the MHSAA 5A-Region 6 standings, behind Forest Hill High School. Natchez High hosts Wingfield High Falcons at 7 p.m. today in the final soccer match of the regular season. Josh West, head coach of Natchez soccer, said the Bulldogs and Falcons are similar teams.

“They’re really pulling athletes to play on their team,” West said. “I know what the coaches are going through with not having a lot of players. But they have a couple of good offensive players, who are explosive on offense and a lot of big guys on defense that you can tell that are new to soccer.”

Today’s match is the second time the two teams will square off this week. Natchez traveled to Wingfield on Tuesday and earned a 4-1 victory over the Falcons. Andrew Brigance, Luis Loy, Damein Newman and Tabius Woods all scored one goal in the match.

“I’m extremely proud of the teams,” West said. “They’re trying to take what I teach them and implement it into the matches. It’s very nice and fulfilling to know that at least the things you are teaching, some of the kids are attentive to their games.”

Both of the teams are trying to earn a spot in the MHSAA soccer bracket. Natchez High is 2-3 in the 5A-Region 6 standings while Wingfield is 2-5 in the standings. West said if the Bulldogs (5-7, 2-3) win against Wingfield, then they will earn a spot in the postseason. West added whoever Natchez faces in the playoffs will be a good team.

“It doesn’t matter who we play in the playoffs, it’s still exciting for the kids,” West said. “ I think it’s exciting for the kids to say they went to the playoffs and have an opportunity to keep playing. I think that’s something they can hang their hats on and be excited about.”

NATCHEZ HIGH LADY BULLDOGS

Meanwhile, the Lady Bulldogs will face the Falcons and are hoping to keep their season alive.

On Tuesday, Natchez High traveled to face Wingfield for a 5A-Region 6 match. The Lady Bulldogs came away with a 3-1 victory over the Lady Falcons. Carmen Butler scored two goals and Kamyrn Gales scored one goal for the Lady Bulldogs. The Lady Bulldogs are 1-4 against other 5A-Region 6 opponents.

The Lady Bulldogs match begins at 5:30 p.m. today at Natchez High against Wingfield High School.