PORT GIBSON — Port Gibson has used a simple plan in reviving its football program — run the football and play defense.

That gameplan of first-year coach Lynn Lang has helped the Blue Waves to a 3-2 record in the first half of the season. The three wins matches their total from the last four seasons combined.

Port Gibson goes for win No. 4 tonight at home against Hazlehurst (4-1) at 7:30.

Lang, while pleased with the three wins, feels he let one get away last week when the Blue Waves lost on the road to Wilkinson County, 20-13.

“I give myself a D,” Lang quipped about his coaching performance. “I let the Wilkinson County game get away from us. As for the kids’ grade, I say about C-plus. They’ve done fine but can get better.”

Both of the Blue Waves’ losses have been by a touchdown or less. They are averaging 191.4 yards per game on the ground.

“We want to knock people off the line and control the football,” Lang said.

Running back Rudy Wilson has carried the ball 57 times for 483 yards and four touchdowns.

“Before I hurt my quad and my knee, I felt like we were doing good. My goal is to get to 1,000 yards. My offensive line has done well. We work hard,” Wilson said.

To add a wrinkle and a spark on offense, Lang moved one of his best athletes, senior Joshua Dotson, to quarterback three weeks ago. Dotson has 268 yards rushing and one long touchdown pass since making the switch.

“I felt like we needed more mobility at quarterback,” Lang said. “Dotson is really dangerous in the open field. Plus, we have a very young line and I wanted to help them out with a more mobile quarterback.”

Dotson liked the change.

“I feel good about it. This is the best Port Gibson has been in a long time,” Dotson said.

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Contact Jeff Byrd at jbyrd@vicksburgpost.com