NHS seniors to play in final game

Published 12:03 am Thursday, November 7, 2013

NATCHEZ — Friday night will be the final 48 minutes the Natchez High School seniors will play at the high school level.

With no hopes of the playoffs ahead and one last home game being the only thing promised, the seniors will leave it all on the field in their final efforts of the season.

NHS (3-7) head coach Lance Reed said he has had several talks with his upperclassmen about making the best of their season.

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“We tell the seniors constantly, this is your last one,” Reed said. “This is something that will always stick with you, so I try to let them know it will be a lasting memory to try to go out on a good note.”

Reed said the Bulldogs’ season has been less-than-satisfying, but they will have to put their woes behind them when they step onto the field against Wingfield High School Friday.

“Obviously, we were very disappointed in our season,” he said. “We had higher expectations in this group. I hope it’s a learning lesson for everyone involved as we get ready for next year. Football is a year-round sport, so there’s no time to wallow.

“They have to take this last win into the offseason and (focus on) getting better in the weight room.”

Their losing season has been the result of many different issues, Reed said, but the Bulldogs have one more chance to get it right against the Falcons.

“We have given up a lot of yards and a lot of points,” Reed said. “We need to have a solid defensive performance and play sound football. On offense, it would be refreshing to see us move the football. We’ve had several turnovers, so if we can have a turnover-free game and move the ball on a consistent basis, that would be a good finish to the year.”

The Bulldogs have had a tough schedule, but Reed said the schedule shouldn’t have resulted in such an unsettling record.

“We’ve played some good teams, and we haven’t stepped up to the challenge,” he said.

The Bulldogs host Wingfield at 7 p.m. Friday.