NATCHEZ — The Jefferson County Tigers rallied from a 19-6 halftime deficit to defeat the Natchez High Bulldogs 30-27 Friday night at Tom F. Williams Memorial Stadium.

“I just can’t say enough about these kids,” Jefferson County head coach James Herrington said. “We had a rough first half. We made a lot of mental mistakes.”

Two of Natchez High’s three touchdowns in the first half were the result of a couple of turnovers by the Tigers. For Jefferson County fans who made the ride down U.S. 61 South to Natchez, it looked like it was going to be a repeat of last year’s game in Fayette, when Natchez High jumped out to a big lead en route to a 37-20 win.

However, Bulldogs head coach Lance Reed said his team missed out on opportunities to put the game out of reach.

“Not stepping up and making the plays when we had the chance,” Reed said. “It was a good ball game and they came out on top.”

But this Jefferson County team didn’t get down on itself during halftime. Instead, the Tigers came out with renewed vigor in the second half.

“We got better on defense. Offensively, we went to a five-wide set. The offensive line did an outstanding job of protecting the quarterback,” Herrington said. “Our receivers did a good job catching the ball, which they didn’t do in the first half.”

“They were persistent. They never gave up,” Reed said. “I give them all the credit.”

Jefferson County (1-0) outscored Natchez High 24-8 in the second half to pull off the amazing come-from-behind win.