NATCHEZ — Natchez High and Warren Central entered the Bulldogs’ homecoming game Friday night as two teams going in completely opposite directions.

Natchez High went into the game with a 3-0 record for the third straight season. The Vikings of Warren Central, on the other hand, stood at 0-3 after losses to Pearl, Callaway and Hattiesburg.

Their chosen — or not so — paths continued in the direction in which they started.

The Bulldogs got off to a slow start and trailed the Vikings 10-0 at the end of the first quarter before they took the lead in the second quarter and went on to take a 28-10 victory to remain undefeated.

Natchez High head coach Lance Reed said he was proud of the way his team battled back after trailing by double digits early in the ball game.

“We learned a lot about ourselves tonight — that we could overcome a little adversity. It was definitely a learning experience for our club. I’m pleased with the outcome,” Reed said.

Warren Central (0-4) scored on a touchdown run and a 30-yard field goal and it looked like an upset just might be in the making.

But once the second quarter got under way, Natchez High took over.

The Bulldogs’ defense forced a few key turnovers, and the offense took advantage of them to turn the momentum in their favor. Derrian Johnson scored on a 33-yard run and Larry Chatman scored on a 2-yard run with Herbert Steadman adding the extra point to give the home crowd something to cheer about as they went into halftime with a 13-10 lead.

“We stayed the course. Defensively, we caught a few breaks with some turnovers, and the offense capitalized on them,” Reed said.

Natchez High’s defense also held Warren Central to just 175 yards of total offense. Charles Bates, Amos James, Kris Weatherspoon and Myron Anderson each had 10 tackles.

Denzel Washington scored the Bulldogs’ final two touchdowns of the game. The first was a 2-yard run in the third quarter that was followed by a two-point conversion run by Chatman. The second was a 3-yard run in the fourth quarter, and Steadman converted the extra point.

Natchez High ended up with 389 total rushing yards on 47 carries. Johnson led the way with 125 yards on 14 carries and Chatman added 109 yards on 19 carries.

“We ran the ball well. That’s our strength right now,” Reed said. “The offensive line led the way. They’re the core of our team.”

Natchez High (4-0) is off next Friday night before opening up MHSAA Region 3-6A action on Sept. 23 at Meridian.