The Natchez High Bulldogs look to end the 2000 season on a winning note when they play the Forest Hill Rebels in a Division 6-5A game at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Natchez High Stadium, despite another string on crushing injuries.

Both teams come into the game with identical records – 2-8 overall and 1-5 in district play.

However, Natchez head coach Elbert &uot;Mo&uot; Lyles warned not to be fooled by the visitors’ record.

&uot;Although their record may not indicate it, they’re a pretty good football team,&uot; he said. &uot;They beat Jim Hill 42-20.

&uot;They’ve been having problems getting things together like we have,&uot; Lyles said.

A young team, Forest Hill sports 16 juniors and 20 sophomores and only 10 seniors on its team.

Forest Hill runs a pro-set offense and a five-man or six-man front on defense, Lyles said.

The Rebel offense is led by junior tailback Ricky Helom.

&uot;He’s a pretty steady player,&uot; Lyles said. &uot;He’s their big-play man.&uot;

Forest Hill’s offensive line averages 260 pounds, he said, which could give his defense problems stopping the run.

Lyles said the Rebel defense doesn’t have any standouts, but &uot;they just play good football.&uot;

Lyles said his team’s practice this week has been &uot;average.&uot;

With the loss of their two tight ends, used primarily this season as blockers, Lyles said the Bulldogs may throw the ball a little more.

&uot;But we’ll see what we can do on the ground,&uot; he said.

Also, senior Mack Thomas, who replaced senior Roderick Conner at running back when Conner’s season came to an end with a knee injury, is doubtful for tonight’s game for personal reasons, striking a blow to the Bulldogs’ already ailing running game.

Both fullbacks have also been lost to injury.