JACKSON — The Northwest Rankin Cougars jumped out to a big first-half lead en route to a 35-14 victory over the Natchez High Bulldogs Friday night in the Division 6-5A opener for both teams in Rankin County.

The loss was the fourth straight for Natchez High, which is now 1-4 overall and 0-1 in district play.

The Cougars (4-1, 1-0) had 332 yards of total offense – 151 yards rushing and 181 yards passing.

&uot;We didn’t come out as far as setting the tone,&uot; said Natchez High head coach Elbert &uot;Mo&uot; Lyles.

&uot;We had some key turnovers. We didn’t move the ball effectively.&uot;

Northwest Rankin wide receiver Cameron Myers burned the Bulldogs defense, much like he did last year when he had 160 yards on six receptions.

Myers only caught five passes for 57 yards this time, but had plenty of help from his teammates.

Quarterback Geoffrey Ferril completed 11 of 18 passes for 181 yards with one interception.

Kevin Jordan had six carries for 87 yards to lead Northwest Rankin in rushing.

Marcus Melvin led the Cougars in receiving with five catches for 79 yards.

Northwest Rankin led 10-0 after one quarter of play and 27-0 at halftime.

&uot;It was tough to get out of that big hole,&uot; Lyles said.

Natchez’s two touchdowns came on long touchdown passes by quarterback Donald Butler.

In the third quarter, Butler hooked up with wide receiver Edwin Skipper for a 74-yard score. The two-point conversion was no good.

In the fourth quarter, Butler connected with wide receiver Leon Stewart on a 34-yard touchdown pass.

Butler completed 12 of 26 passes for 177 yards with one interception, and led the Bulldogs in rushing with 33 yards on seven carries.

Skipper caught four passes for 113 yards and one touchdown.

Linebacker Ronnie Richardson led the Bulldogs in tackles with 10.

Natchez High plays at Jackson Provine next Friday at 7:30 p.m.