VICKSBURG — Football is a game about imposition of will. Coaches love to talk about it.

Natchez did exactly that on Friday night, dominating the third quarter with two long drives to earn a 29-10 victory over Warren Central on Friday.

The third quarter was the turning point, as quarterback Javon Washington and the offense, clinging to a 14-7 lead, took command thanks to domination at the point of attack.

“We’ve had instances of where we’re able to do that and we’re proud of our guys upfront,” Natchez coach Lance Reed said. “Our guys were able to be physical upfront and take charge.”

The Bulldogs (4-0) took advantage of a shanked punt at the WC 49. Washington hit Damion Williams for a 39-yard gain, Kevin Bailey took a handoff eight yards and Washington capped the drive with a 10-yard option keeper off a zone read.

WC punter Devon Bell ripped a 40-yard punt that rolled out of bounds at the Natchez 18. But the Bulldog offense went to work, as Washington hit 3-of-4 passes on the drive and Bailey piled up carry after carry on an 11-play, 82-yard march. Williams took the jet sweep handoff 11 yards to paydirt to give Natchez a commanding 26-7 lead with 1:27 remaining in the third quarter.

“This is very disappointing,” first-year Warren Central coach Josh Morgan said. “This was a game we felt we could win and we had our opportunities. We just didn’t take advantage.”

It was a career night for Natchez’s four-year starter at quarterback.

Washington completed 14-of-23 passes for 208 yards and one touchdown, a 5-yard bubble screen to Trevon Chatman in the first quarter. On the ground, the senior quarterback rushed eight times for 119 yards and two scores.

“He’s the top prospect in the state and that’s why,” Morgan said about Washington.

A costly loss for the Vikings going forward could be the loss of running back Shonn Jackson, who left in the first series of the third quarter after hearing a pop in his left knee. Jackson finished with 83 yards on nine carries with one score, a 43-yard carry in the second quarter.

“We’re hoping for good news for him, his family and our football team,” Morgan said.