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photo by Steve VanGunda
Natchez Bulldog Nick Brooks is taken down by a couple of Ferriday High School defenders during last Friday night’s scrimmage at Natchez High School. The Bulldogs will look to avenge last year’s loss to Jefferson County when they travel to Fayette to take on the Tigers Friday.
Jefferson Co., Natchez in unfamiliar positions as rivalry resumes
Published Wednesday, August 27, 2008
NATCHEZ — One of the biggest rivalries in the area has a little different feel to it this year.
That’s because after many years of looking up at Natchez High, Jefferson County has found itself looking down on the Bulldogs for the last 365 days after their 30-27 win last season.
It’s something that Natchez High coach Lance Reed doesn’t want to see repeated this season.
“(The loss) is something our kids have talked about for a year now, and now we have the opportunity to get back at them,” Reed said. “It was the kind of loss you never forget, and it’s been on our minds for a calendar year.”
While it was a bitter loss for Reed and Natchez High, it was a great win for the Tigers, who had not beaten the Bulldogs in many years.
Herrington himself played against Natchez as a player only once, and lost 14-7.
“It was definitely a sweet win for me and all our fans after enduring years of abuse from our neighbors in Natchez,” Herrington said. “It was an outstanding win for the community as a whole.”
But for Jefferson County to make it two wins in a row over the Bulldogs, they will have to get great line play, Herrington said.
“It all starts up front with the offensive line,” Herrington said. “It was the same thing I said last year. The game will be won up front. Whoever dominates the defensive and offensive line play and doesn’t turn the ball over will most likely be the winner.
“We’ve got a pretty big front, and we expect them to take over and impose their size. If we can get our offensive line rolling, we can have success.”
Herrington said his defense will also be looking to stop Natchez senior running back Willie Newman.
“He’s a big part of what they do on offense,” Herrington said. “He’s a senior and one of the most experienced players they have. We are definitely looking to come out and put the clamps on him.”
The Tigers also want to get in the face of sophomore quarterback Javon Washington early and often as well.
“We’re going to look to get after him and rattle him,” he said. “It’s always good to try and rattle a young quarterback. We’re definitely looking to get after him pretty hard.”
Reed knows the Tiger defense is coming, and said the Natchez coaching staff has challenged the Bulldog offensive line to not let the defenders get to Newman and Washington.
“We are really challenging our line play,” Reed said. “We have to have good line play. (Jefferson County’s) guys are big and physical and will give our line a challenge. If we can protect and control the line of scrimmage, we have a chance. It all starts up front for us.”
One thing that Jefferson County won’t be lacking for is confidence. Last season’s win made sure of that.
“That win last year could have been the win that gives the teams in the future confidence,” Herrington said. “It lets them know just because we’re 3A and they’re 5A, if you prepare properly and play disciplined, it doesn’t mater what level you are, you can win if do things necessary to win.”
Comments
Posted by tigerfan (anonymous) on August 27, 2008 at 4:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I cant wait to Friday night. Last year was great but its nothing like the present. I hope the Tigers come out with intensity and jump on them early. I don't want it close like last year. I want the tigers to score plenty and often. GO TIGERS. SEE YOU FRIDAY. And looking forward to the comments on this site Saturday morning.
Posted by Classylady (anonymous) on August 27, 2008 at 7:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
GOOD LUCK TIGERS!!! I look forward to good rivalry comments, but when it comes to the ones that degrade the kids, I think the line should be drawn. We as adults should set examples for the children. Remember when it's all over, one team will win and one will lose, but it's not necessary to be nasty. However, if you can't be mature-adults about it, then I will pray for you.
Posted by ready4u (anonymous) on August 27, 2008 at 7:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Let go Tigers! We gonna fight, we gonna fight, we gonna beat dem Bulldogs Friday night.
Posted by BJ1979 (anonymous) on August 27, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This game is just another stepping stone on the journey to greatness. TIGERS,you hold your destiny in your hands. The coaches have conditioned your bodies you have to condition your own minds. You can go as far as your will,drive and determination takes you. This will be a game won by the team who makes the least amount of mistakes. Remember this,a dog may lose a fight in its own back yard but a TIGER should never lose a fight in its own den.GO TIGERS!!!! 08'
Posted by acedog (anonymous) on August 27, 2008 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
after friday evrybody in jefferson co. is going to be asking one question.WHO LET THE DOGS OUT? THEY SAY THEY WERE BULLDOGS ALL I KNOW IS THEY WERE MEAN AND NASTY.SOMEBODY PLEASED PUT A LEASHED ON THEM.FRIDAY NIGHT AT 7PM THE LEASHED COMES OFF.NATCHEZ 58 JEFFERSON CO.3
Posted by popeye3 (anonymous) on August 27, 2008 at 12:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How do you just bust out that "Herrington played against Natchez only once" without first letting us know who Herrington is.
Posted by drawpaintsing (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 9:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have faith in my team, but we don't have the same boys that we had last year, so I'll have to see Friday night. But since I'm a Tiger fan, I must say, "GO MIGHTY TIGERS, GO GO MIGHTY TIGERS!"
Posted by Nationwide (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
GO TIGER!!!
Posted by bulldoggeneral98 (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
GIVE IT UP TIGER FANS. I KNOW THAT OUR NEXT PRESIDENT HAS GIVEN ALL OF US HOPE FOR CHANGE, BUT NOT IN THIS SITUATION. ALOT OF YOU ARE WISHING AND HOPING FOR A WIN BECAUSE OF YOUR OWN ON FIELD EXPERIENCES. I'M JUST GOING TO LEAVE YOU GUYS WITH THIS "JUST LIKE THROUGH DA YEARS, THIS GAME WILL END WITH A BULLDOG VICTORY AND TIGER TEARS." P.S. I WILL BE SELLING TISSUES BEFORE THE GAME FOR $2.00. AFTER THE GAME PRICES WILL RISE TO $6.00. CASH ONLY!!!!!!!!!!! HERE COME THOSE BULLDOGGGGSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by tigerfan (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bulldog general are you for real. Natchez havent been a threat to anyone since 97. And you might need to use that tissue for something else. So hold on to that. Because after Friday night you can pad your seat home with it. Because you all just got that butt beat. Go Tigers Go.
Posted by gator (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 9:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I know one thing for sure . Natchez high pep band is going to blast JC band out of the stands friday night . No need to bring Natchez high full marching band when the pep band will do the job . Loud and clear !
Posted by BJ1979 (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 9:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Aww man u braggin on da band? Yall gonna be two time losers come tomorrow on da field and in da stands. Aren't u from FC anyhow? Hey general I'll take that tissue cause we are the ish but keep a lil for urself cause ur probly gonna get $--- on.
Posted by tigerfan (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 9:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Who is this guy talking about the band. We talking about football MAN. You one of those guys who come to the game to watch the band. IS Natchez still playing the Flintstones and classical music. Who wants to hear that. Anyway, tomorrow is the big day. Lets get it on. GO Tigers GO.
Posted by BJ1979 (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I apologize for that last comment. Maybe I was a lil to controversal with that one. But you know what they say controversy sells. GO TIGERS 08'!!!! I C U Nationwide.
Posted by gator (anonymous) on August 28, 2008 at 10:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
FC still has the best football team in the area and Natchez has the best band !
Posted by fightingthebattle (anonymous) on August 29, 2008 at 7:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
our band sucks so keep it football
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