NATCHEZ — Despite two rushing touchdowns by Natchez High School quarterback Javon Washington, the South fell short against the North in the 62nd annual Bernard Blackwell All-Star Classic Sunday.

Washington, a senior, tallied two touchdowns from 11 and 5 yards out, but it wasn’t enough as the North came out on top 19-14.

Washington’s second touchdown with 4:28 left in the fourth quarter gave the South a brief 14-13 lead, but the North responded with a 60-yard touchdown drive in just four plays for the win.

Another Natchez High athlete played well in a recent All-Star game. Bulldogs senior lineman Justin Hamilton played in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Football Classic Dec. 11. Hamilton had three tackles and one sack for Mississippi, but Alabama won the game 24-17.

Natchez High head coach Lance Reed said it wasn’t a big surprise to him that both Washington and Hamilton performed well in their respective All-Star games.

“They’re both tremendous athletes,” Reed said.

“Honestly, I think the entire (senior) class was a really talented group. They developed well through the program, and they really had excellent careers.”