Vicksburg High kept Natchez’s high-octane offense under the speed limit. Sadly, its own offense never got out of the garage.

The Gators totaled 198 yards and crossed midfield on only two of eight possessions as they lost 14-6 Friday at Memorial Stadium.

“It wasn’t nothing we didn’t see in practice. We had a good week of practice. We’ve just got to play better,” Vicksburg coach Christopher Lacey said. “It just comes down to the execution, being of the same one accord, playing for each other, that kind of stuff.”

Natchez earned its first 3-0 start on the field since 2018. It also started 3-0 with a forfeit win in 2021.

Vicksburg, on the other hand, fell to 0-3 for the first time since 2020. It has been held to six points in two of the three losses. Lacey called it frustrating because he feels his team has the talent and ability to be better.

“This isn’t a frustration of having a terrible team. Those are two different frustrations. My frustration is just my guys not executing the way they’re supposed to execute, because I know they can and I expect them to,” he said.

Natchez entered the game averaging 55 points per game and allowing 50, but neither offense ever geared up for the anticipated high-scoring shootout.

The only touchdown of the first half was on a 7-yard run by Jakel Irving, and Natchez extended its lead to 14-0 on a 32-yard pass from Kaden Walton to Je’kari Douglas on the first series of the third quarter.

Walton finished 11-of-18 passing for 180 yards, and Douglas caught three passes for 72 yards. As a team, Natchez only had 37 rushing yards on 33 carries. It scored both of its touchdowns on fourth-down plays.

On the second scoring drive, the Bulldogs completed a 44-yard pass from Walton to Ashton Minor on third-and-27, and then the touchdown on fourth-and-12.

“We play defense around here. That’s what we do. I don’t even expect 14 points. We’re supposed to be better. The last three games since the jamboree have just been big, long bombs that’s been taking us out,” Lacey said.

The Gators took one drive to the Natchez 25-yard line in the first half, but did not reach the red zone until the last two minutes. Marquise Knight made an acrobatic catch on the sideline for a 31-yard gain, and then caught an 8-yard pass from Jamikal Maxey to finally put the Gators on the board with 1:19 remaining.

The PAT was no good, however, and the Gators touched the ensuing onside kick before it went the required 10 yards. Natchez got the ball, kneeled four times to run out the clock, and handed Vicksburg a disappointing loss.

Maxey was 7-of-19 passing for 77 yards. Cedrick Blackmore finished with 49 rushing yards and DeCorey Knight Jr. had 45 after going over the 100-yard mark in each of the first two games this season.

“There’s a way you’re supposed to play and some background things you have to have to be able to play successfully. We’ve just got to figure that out,” Lacey said.