After losing their last two games, it’s crunch time for the Natchez Bulldogs, who travel to Biloxi on Friday in the last game before district play begins.

&uot;The kids are focused. They know what they need to do,&uot; said assistant coach Robert Cade. &uot;We’re positive. We’re looking for good things this Friday.&uot;

The Bulldogs (1-2) lost to Vicksburg 28-6 last week, partly due to 19 penalties. That’s something Natchez hopes to fix this week in practice.

&uot;Concentration. That’s what it comes down to,&uot; Cade said. &uot;You have to make sure everybody knows their assignments.

&uot;You’ll have games like that,&uot; he added. &uot;You just have to make sure you don’t repeat them in the future.&uot;

The key to the game will be playing a consistent four quarters, Cade said.

&uot;In the past, we’ve played a good two or three, but I don’t think we’ve put a whole game together,&uot; he said. &uot;We need to play the way we’re capable of playing.&uot;

Especially against Biloxi’s (1-2) running game, Cade said.

&uot;Watching the tapes, it looks like No. 32 is their workhorse,&uot; he said. &uot;They go to him more than anybody.&uot;

While one might suspect Natchez to go to quarterback Donald Butler more than anybody — Butler ran for 122 yards and threw for 188 yards last week — Cade said a total team effort will be needed this Friday.

&uot;If we play as a cohesive unit, everything will take care of itself,&uot; he said. &uot;We have some talented individuals, but a few kids won’t do it. We need everyone to play to their potential.&uot;

And while a win is certainly a goal this week, it is secondary to Natchez’s primary wish — to improve each week.

&uot;We’re getting better as a whole, but it’s something we need to do every time we go out,&uot; he said.