NATCHEZ — Natchez and Warren Central entered the Bulldogs’ homecoming game Friday night as two teams going in completely opposite directions.

But in the early going, it was the Vikings who looked like a 3-0 team, jumping out to a 10-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. Natchez (3-0) rallied to take a 28-10 victory.

Natchez coach Lance Reed said he was proud of the way his team battled back after trailing by double digits early.

“We learned a lot about ourselves tonight that we could overcome a little adversity. It was definitely a learning experience for our club. I’m pleased with the outcome,” Reed said.

Warren Central (0-4) scored on a touchdown run and a 30-yard field goal and it looked like an upset might be in the making. But once the second quarter got under way, Natchez took over.

The Bulldogs’ defense forced a few key turnovers and the offense took advantage of them to turn the momentum in their favor. Derrian Johnson scored on a 33-yard run and Larry Chatman scored on a 2-yard run with Herbert Steadman adding the extra point to give the once nervous home crowd something to cheer about as they went into halftime with a 13-10 lead.

                                                                                      

Natchez 28, WC 10

Records: Natchez (4-0), Warren Central (0-4)

Skinny: Vikings can’t hold on to a 10-0 first-quarter lead and fall flat at Natchez

Next: Warren Central at NW Rankin on Sept. 23

                                                                                      

“We stayed the course. Defensively, we caught a few breaks with some turnovers and the offense capitalized on them,” Reed said.

The Natchez defense also held Warren Central to just 175 yards of total offense.

Denzel Washington scored the Bulldogs’ final two touchdowns of the game. The first was a 2-yard run in the third quarter followed by a two-point conversion run by Chatman. The second was a 3-yard run in the fourth quarter and Steadman converted the extra point.

Natchez finished with 389 rushing yards on 47 carries. Johnson led the way with 125 yards on 14 carries and Chatman added 109 yards on 19 carries.