Natchez High School had its opportunities to win its first game since its season opener Aug. 19 Friday night against West Jones, but couldn’t seal the victory.

The Bulldogs (1-9, 0-6) let a 12-6 halftime slip away as they fell 26-20 to their Region 3-5A rivals.

“I think our guys played hard,” Natchez coach Roy Rigsby said. “I’m proud of the way they played together, and they never gave up.”

After missing the past two games with a foot injury, quarterback Chris Scott was back in action, and Rigsby said the junior signal-caller provided a spark for his offense.

“He came back, and he played well and did what he could do,” Rigsby said. “He made some mistakes here and there, but he’s maturing.”

Natchez led at the end of the third quarter 12-10.

“We made some mistakes in the first half, we turned the ball over and that came to bite us in the end,” Rigsby said.

Natchez will attempt to reverse its fortunes next week on senior night against Brookhaven High School.