BRANDON — One week after their stunning upset of then-No. 4 ranked Oak Grove, the Natchez High Bulldogs traveled to central Rankin County to take on the Brandon Bulldogs in an important Region 3-6A game for both teams.

Both Natchez High and Brandon entered this match-up with identical 4-2 overall records and both teams were 1-1 region play after victories over the Warriors and Terry, respectively.

Andre Crain’s 40-yard interception return for a touchdown set the tone for a long night for Natchez High (4-3, 1-2) as Brandon jumped out to a big lead and went on to defeat the visiting Bulldogs 44-15.

Brandon senior running back Roy Williams ended up being the star on offense in this game as he had over 100 yards rushing and three touchdowns, including scoring runs of 48 and 53 yards that helped the host Bulldogs jump out to a 21-0 lead in the second quarter.

Natchez High’s offense took a huge hit when junior quarterback Javon Washington had to leave the game with an injury and was taken to a hospital. Freshman Derrian Johnson came off the bench and threw a 64-yard touchdown pass to Santorius Pollard in the third quarter, but that was after Brandon (5-2, 2-1) was already up 37-0 at halftime.

In addition to Crain’s pick-six, Brandon’s defense also forced a safety and Blake McGee returned a fumble 26 yards for a touchdown – both in the second quarter.

Joel Davis scored Natchez High’s other touchdown on a 43-yard run in the fourth quarter. He also scored on a two-point conversion run after the Johnson-to-Pollard touchdown pass.