NATCHEZ — The Natchez High School Bulldogs celebrated homecoming witha closer-than-expected 21-14 win over the Forest Hill High SchoolPatriots in an MHSAA Region 3-5A game Friday night at Tom F. WilliamsMemorial Stadium.

Natchez High narrowly avoided losing back-to-back games to opponents that went into that game with two wins. Last week, the Bulldogs were routed at North Pike High School 49-25. Seven days later, they made sure that would not be the case.

“I’m proud of my guys for the win. We didn’t play great, but we won,”Bulldogs head coach Roy Rigsby said. “Keep playing and keep believing — that was the key to the team’s win.”

Rigsby also said that he was not surprised that Forest Hill (2-9, 1-5)gave Natchez High such a battle, adding, “They’re better than their record says.”

“You can’t predict how the ball’s going to bounce. You can’t predicthow the play is going to go,” Rigsby said.

James Singleton and Javontae (Joe) Davis were among the players thatRigsby said stood out for the Bulldogs, which clinched a berth in theClass 5A South State Playoffs.

“This is the first time we’ve had a (winning) season in a while,”Rigsby said. “We’re not worried about the other teams in our region.”

Natchez High (6-3, 4-2) plays host to Laurel High School for SeniorNight in the regular-season finale Friday at 7 p.m.