NATCHEZ — Natchez High School will hit the road Friday to take on Hattiesburg High School, and the Bulldogs’ offense will have to find a way to generate points against a stifling Hattiesburg defense.

“They have a good running game and a very good defense,” NHS head coach Lance Reed. “They have a group of competitive receivers. It’s just another competitive game in our district.

“Their defense is a group of guys who are big, fast and play hard. They’ve held some good teams to some low scoring totals.”

NHS (6-2, 2-2) is aiming to close its conference schedule with victories in order to assure itself of a playoff spot. After Hattiesburg, the Bulldogs wrap up the season with Brandon and Oak Grove.

“Typically, four (regional wins) will get you in the playoffs,” Reed said. “Sometimes it’ll get you a tie, and other things come into play at that point. We’re at two wins right now, and if we win out, we’ll be in business, so that’s our goal.”

With two conference losses to Petal and Meridian, Reed said the Bulldogs’ regional schedule has proven to be tough once again.

“It’s normal for it to be so tough,” Reed said. “We had a couple of teams added (due to realignment), but it’s still very competitive, and it always has been. It will come down to the wire.”

Reed also said he’s enjoying watching his young team grow as the season goes along.

“We see a lot of things we like,” Reed said. “We see a lot of effort, and that will take us a long way. They have a good attitude, and they have a lot of things they need to improve on as well.”

Kickoff at Hattiesburg is at 7 Friday night.