NATCHEZ — The Natchez High School Bulldogs (3-7, 1-5) had a great offensive night, but they couldn’t get their defense to make enough stops to get their first win since Week 8 against Pearl River Central High School.

Their 62-36 loss started with promise as the first quarter ended 14 all on runs by John Ferguson and Anthony Robinson for 25 and 4 yards, respectively.

Ferguson’s run was accompanied by a failed two-point conversion while Robinson’s run was followed by a two-point conversion pass to Sidney Davis.

Robinson had another stellar passing night completing 34 of 42 passes for 396 yards and a touchdown while Sidney Davis was on the other end of majority of those passes, catching 16 for 163 yards. Ferguson added 109 rushing yards on 10 carries and two touchdowns for a 559-yard offensive night.

But as Natchez was able to get on the board every quarter, Pearl River Central managed to put up more points.

Natchez head coach Lance Reed said there was a good effort, but he needs both sides of the ball to step up.

“Our offense moved the ball well, but our defense didn’t play well,” Reed said. “We started to get a few stops in the second half, but it wasn’t enough. It’s a team effort, when they come together and play a full game, we’ll get wins.”

The Blue Devils outscored the Bulldogs 28 to 6 in the second quarter and Natchez was unable to recover.

Robinson scored the Bulldogs only run of the second quarter at the 9:36 mark on a 15-yard rush, put the two-point conversion failed.

Natchez scored only once in each of the last two quarters while Pearl River Central was able to find the end zone three times.

Natchez’s third quarter touchdown came from Ferguson on a 33-yard run. Robinson then completed a pass to Earon Brown for the two-point conversion.

Brown would score the Bulldog’s last touchdown on a 25-yard pass from Robinson with 3:03 remaining in the game.

Devonte Green continued to be a big defensive player for the Bulldogs, but Reed said Green would have to step up in more ways than just tackling.

“It’s very important he continues to learn how to lead on and off the field because individuals can’t do the job,” he said.

The Bulldogs have one more game left against Wingfield High School and it will be their senior night, and Reed said their goal is to end the season with a win.

“We’re going to finish this year out,” Reed said. “We’ll go back to work next week for that last win.”

Natchez hosts Wingfield at 7 p.m. Friday.