NATCHEZ — Limiting turnovers will be the key for the Natchez Bulldogs as they travel to take on Brandon in a Region 3-5A contest Friday night.

The Bulldogs turned the ball over six times in a 34-21 loss to Oak Grove last week, including five interceptions thrown by freshman quarterback Javon Washington.

“We’ve got to do a better job of taking care of the football,” Natchez coach Lance Reed said. “We’ve got to play much smarter and not turn the ball over if we want to have a chance to win.”

Reed said Washington, who will start at quarterback against Brandon, needs to play smarter and not try and make plays that aren’t there.

“He’s trying to make plays and is forcing the ball,” Reed said of his freshman signal-caller. “He’s just a freshman, he’ll learn to do those things as time goes by.”

Another hindrance to the Bulldogs is their lack of a running game. Washington is being forced to put the ball up almost every play, which leads to some mistakes.

“He’s having to throw the ball so much because we can’t get a running game going,” Reed said. “If we can get our running game in gear, that will help him a lot.”

While the Natchez offense will need to start running the ball more effectively, the Bulldog defense will need to gear up to stop Brandon’s running attack.

Brandon comes into the game with a 2-4 record, having lost their last four games after a 2-0 start. They are coming off a 24-21 loss to Terry last week.

“They will run the ball,” Reed said. “They will run some play action as well but their strength is running the football. For us to be successful, our defense is going to have to stop their run and cause turnovers.”