NATCHEZ — In probably its biggest regular-season game this year, Natchez High fell just short to Meridian High School 24-20.

Natchez High had the ball inside the Meridian 10-yard line with less that two minutes to go, but failed to convert on fourth and goal. The loss drops Natchez to 4-1 on the season, 0-1 in district play.

Despite the loss, Natchez head coach Lance Reed said he was happy with what he saw from his team, but added that improvements needed to be made.

“We were pleased with the effort that was displayed and the competitive spirit of the game,” Reed said.

“We understand we have to make corrections in the way we prepare in going out and competing in big games, so we hope the players respond to that challenge.”

Reed also said the loss boiled down to mistakes his team made during the game that his team typically doesn’t make.

“We’re going to have to focus on those next week. We feel like they were probably mental, but with proper repetitions, those are mistakes you don’t make,” Reed said.

Cathedral

The Green Wave opened up district play with a 28-7 win over Sebastopol High School Friday.

Running back Jadarius Ealey had a big night for the Green Wave, tallying 113 yards on 15 carries. Cathedral also held Sebastopol to just 152 yards of total offense.

“We executed everything we worked on, and I was very pleased with the way we played the game,” Cathedral head coach Ron Rushing said.

“It was huge to get us to 1-0 in district. That kind of sets you up early in the season instead of going 0-1. With a district that has Mount Olive, Bogue Chitto and Dexter, this sets us up pretty good.”

Cathedral improved to 4-1 on the season.

Trinity and ACCS

Trinity Episcopal’s Givonni Dent and Tip McKenzie scored all six of the Saints’ touchdowns in a 42-14 win over Central Private last Friday.

The win improved Trinity to 6-0 on the season, and will face River Oaks next Friday, which is ranked No. 2 in MAIS Class AA.

Adams County Christian was without top two running backs Brandon Sanders and Christopher Perry in a 35-0 loss to Parklane Academy Friday.

Sanders was out with a groin injury, and Perry was sidelined with an intestinal illness.

ACCS’ rushing game suffered as a result, tallying just 5 yards on the ground. The loss dropped ACCS to 5-1 on the season. The Rebels will play at Riverdale next Friday.

Vidala and Ferriday

Vidalia dropped to 0-4 on the season in a 24-12 lost to Avoyelles last Friday. Even with the loss, Vidalia head coach Gary Parnham Jr. said he noticed improvement in his team.

“We played a lot better, and the kids gave everything they had. We had some questionable calls and some situations we couldn’t capitalize on, and that was the difference in the ball game,” Parnham said.

Ferriday fell to Wossman 46-29 Friday, dropping the Trojans to 1-3 on the season.