LORMAN — Natchez High School flashed a strong running game and promising development from new quarterback Derrian Johnson Saturday night.

The Bulldogs squared off against Port Gibson High School at Alcorn State University, and NHS edged out the Blue Waves 30-22 behind a good performance by several Bulldog running backs.

Larry Chatman led the way with 171 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries. Johnson added 117 yards on 15 carries. In the passing game, Johnson was 8-for-10 with 122 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

NHS head coach Lance Reed said he was happy with his offense, but his defense still had a lot it needed to work on.

“We ran the ball quite well,” Reed said. “That’s been a focus for us this spring. They executed very well. There were several other things we have to work on, but our running game was very impressive.

“Defensively, we didn’t tackle well, so we have to go back to the drawing board and work on some fundamental things.”

Reed also said he was pleased with the way Johnson has stepped in to fill the big shoes left by former starter Javon Washington, who graduates from NHS May 27.

“He’s athletic and has a lot of potential and a bright future,” Reed said. “Washington is a hard person to replace, but we feel like Derrian has the attributes to make his own name.

“He managed the offense well for us, and that’s what we expected of him. His one interception was on a great play by the Port Gibson kid. We want him to manage the offense and lead it, and he executed the things we asked him to do.”

Reed said he felt like his offensive goals for the team were reached, saying they responded well to some things the coaches wanted to implement. He also said he hopes to find more consistency from the defense in the months ahead.

“We’re basically just looking for guys to come in and be aggressive and learn (on defense),” Reed said. “We’re still moving people around and looking for 11 guys to come in and be consistent. Thank goodness it’s just spring.”

With summer workouts on the horizon, Reed said the focal point will be getting faster and stronger.

“We have a really good lifting routine,” Reed said. “We do a lot of running, too. We need to be in good condition, because we’ll have several guys that will play both ways.”

With spring practice now over, Reed said a spring game against a different team was good for his squad.

“It’s good to see a different color, to get out there and see what you’ve been working on and how it works against someone else,” Reed said.

“Tonight made us better. They have a quality ball club. They hit us in the mouth and we hit them in the mouth. That’s what both clubs were looking for.”

NHS will open its season against Wilkinson County in August.