WOODVILLE — Even though the Natchez High Bulldogs were heavy favorites to beat a Wilkinson County team that didn’t win a game last season, head coach Lance Reed did not want his team to take the Wildcats lightly.

Reed didn’t have to worry too much in the end, however, as Natchez High jumped out to a 25-0 lead in the first half and went on to defeat Wilkinson County 44-14 Friday night to start the season with a 2-0 record.

Despite the expected lopsided win, there were a few things Reed was not satisfied with.

“We played well in spots. But we didn’t play a complete game,” he said. “We were a little frustrated in the third quarter. Wilkinson County tried to slow the game down.”

Wilkinson County cut into Natchez High’s lead by scoring 14 points in the third quarter, but the Bulldogs still had a 31-14 lead at the end of the third.

Three different players scored for the Bulldogs as they opened up an 18-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. Zach Evans scored on a 45-yard punt return, Santorius Pollard scored on a 30-yard run and Joel Davis ran in from four yards out.

Pollard gave Natchez High a 25-0 halftime lead on a 6-yard touchdown catch from Javo Washington. Davion Ward added the extra point.

Washington then connected with Pollard on a 15-yard touchdown in the third quarter that ended Wilkinson County’s attempted rally. Derrian Johnson was on the receiving end of Washington’s third touchdown throw, an 11-yard pass in the fourth quarter. Kevin Bailey added a 6-yard touchdown run and Ward added the extra point.

“Javon Washington played well. Joel Davis had over 100 yard rushing. Zach Evans played well for us defensively,” Reed said.

Davis finished with 142 yards rushing on 22 carries. Washington completed 16 of 29 passes for 166 yards and Pollard caught eight of those passes for 84 yards. The Bulldogs racked up 441 yards of total offense.