NATCHEZ — Despite going 5-6 last season, the Bulldogs have reason to have high hopes leading up to the 2008 season.

Heading into his fifth season at the helm of the Natchez High football program head coach Lance Reed said there’s plenty of reason for optimism even though he will have to replace more than 15 seniors.

In fact, Reed said expectations are as high as they’ve ever been heading into a season.

“Each season our goal is to do better,” Reed said. “We have high expectations and I think this is the first year we’ve headed into the season with real high expectations.

“Our goal is to go out and do what we have to do to accomplish the goals. The sky’s the limit for this team and we all believe that.”

During NHS’s spring game Reed said he saw a lot of positives.

“Our spring game was one that we saw a lot of potential. Realistically we split our team up where we split our best linemen up.

“Our line play probably wasn’t the best, but when we put it all together we’ll put together a pretty good squad.”

Reed went on to say that during the intrasquad scrimmage a lot of kids played out of position, but that was a plus because it allowed the coaches to see the depth they had at their different positions.

One concern heading into the scrimmage was the team’s leadership.

“In our spring game there were some concerns and the leadership is one thing we’re harping on,” Reed said. “Both (Javon Washington and Willie Newman) have the ability. They’re the ones who make the big play usually.”

One positive Reed said he saw with the defense was their awareness and ability to track down the ball.

“One thing I did see was a bunch of guys running to the football,” Reed said. “We tackled a little better than I expected. Those are things we’ve been harping on in practice.

“It was a pleasant surprise to see that.”

Offense

On offense the team will return the two cogs that makes the team click, as well as add a newcomer who is expected to make an immediate impact in Joel Davis.

Reed said Davis was the surprise of the spring, coming to the gridiron after having solely been a member of the basketball team.

Davis, who adds immediate depth at running back and defensive back, was so impressive to the coaching staff this spring that they named him the newcomer of the spring.

“He’s a little bigger than Willie, but he’s fast and he’s a strong kid,” Reed said. “He adds some depth to our running back position along with some of the other guys we have.”

Along with Davis, the offense will be relying on Washington — a sophomore quarterback, senior wide receiver Rico Richardson and Newman, a senior running back, to tote the ball and put points on the board.

As a freshman last season, Washington took over the role of quarterback when Richardson went down with an injury. In a way, Reed says the injury was a blessing in disguise.

“(The injury) ended up being a blessing in disguise. Rico excelled at receiver and Javon did well at quarterback.”

Reed said what makes Washington a good quarterback is his work ethic and self-determination, stating that he’s an extremely hard worker and is tough on himself to succeed.

Reed went onto say what makes Washington successful on the field is also his ability to do a bit of everything.

“He can spread the ball around. He’s gotten to the point where he can run with the ball also,” Reed said. “He’s strong for his size so he can withstand (tackles).

“He’s also a good pocket passer.”

Coupled with Davis, Reed expects to have dynamic depth at running back with Newman leading the charge.

“Willie is a smaller sized running back who can take it all the way at any time with good speed.

“He’s a slasher and can make the big play happen.”

BATES RETUNRS TO LEAD DEFENSE

Leading the defense this fall will be Donald Bates, Jr.

After dislocating his elbow early in the 2007 season, Reed said his free safety is well on his way to be full-strength. Reed said he fully expects Bates to be ready to go for the team’s first game.

According to Reed, Bates has participated in the spring training.

OFF-SEASON CAMPS BUILDING CONFIDENCE

The team will begin their summer conditioning program June 9, and their summer practice kicks-off August 4.

Throughout the summer the team’s players will also be involved in several off-campus events such as 7-on-7 camps and a linemen camp at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

The purpose of these camps is to not only help the kids with their skills, but to also give them confidence.

“Number one, it’s an opportunity for our kids to get some recognition and get them seen,” Reed said. “It also lets them notice some of the players from other schools.

“Sometimes it’s good to see those kids aren’t any different than you, it’ll give them confidence that’ll hopefully spill over into the season.”

Reed went onto say the camps will also help to build the players football IQ.

The Bulldogs will kickoff their 2008 season on August 22 when they host the Natchez Jamboree. Game time is set for 5:30p.m.