Even before the home crowd settled in at Natchez High School, Meridian hit pay dirt three times in the game’s first seven minutes.

The visitors went on to put on an offensive clinic, scorching the Bulldogs 42-7 Friday in Natchez.

Coming into the contest, Bulldogs coach Elbert &uot;Mo&uot; Lyles stressed the need for execution, being on the same page and maintaining blocks down field. After last week’s loss he also wished for a better start against his high-profile opponents.

On the other side, Meridian coach Bill Sartin praised the hosts.

&uot;Natchez has just as much size and talent as anyone we have played,&uot; he said before the game. &uot;We will just have to take what the defense gives us.&uot;

It certainly was a night for giving as Wildcat halfback Mario Hill ran at will against the arm tackling Bulldog defense and special teams.

His 62-yard punt return at the 7:29 mark in the first quarter put his team up 14-0.

After recovering an onside kick, Daniel Spinks hit Pierce Henderson from 11 yards out and the rout was on. Another short scoring run by Spinks at the end of the half had the crowd eagerly awaiting the soothing sounds of the marching band.

Natchez quarterback Donald Butler was a diamond in the rough for the outgunned hosts.

As he stared at an increasing deficit, he managed to lead a few longer drives, one in which he scored from 26 yards out.

The loss drops the Bulldogs to 2-7 as the Wildcats head into the home stretch with an improved mark of 7-2.