Meridian High School will have its hands full Friday night when the Wildcats open Region 3-5A play against the Natchez Bulldogs.

Kickoff at Ray Stadium is at 7:30 p.m.

The Bulldogs come in with a 4-0 record and are led by standout quarterback James Bruce, who accounted for 475 yards and six touchdowns in last week’s win over Franklin County.

“He can run and pass,” Meridian coach Larry Weems said. “He makes all kinds of plays. Our defense will have its hands full.”

The Wildcats come in with a 2-2 record following last week’s 34-14 victory over Warren Central. But while the Vikings were mostly a running team, Natchez will come at the Wildcats both on the air and the ground.

Linebacker Rodney Warren leads the MHS defense with 31 tackles and 24 assists. Devron Spain, Erik Taylor and James Martin make up the defensive line while joining Warren at linebacker are Jackie Leggett, Ricardo Harris and Justin Darden. The defensive secondary will be made up of Deion Felder, Khairi Usher and Tori Adams.

Meridian High opponents are averaging 148 rushing yards per game, and 94.3 in the air.

The Wildcat offense, meanwhile, continues to be a work in progress as the players learn Weems’ system.

So far this season, Meridian High quarterbacks have passed for 968 yards and 10 touchdowns. Meridian also has rushed for 344 yards and rushed for three touchdowns.

Senior quarterback Walton Mitts has completed 45-of-75 passing attempts for 642 yards and eight touchdowns. Sophomore quarterback Tyler Russell has completed 16-of-27 yards for 308 yards.

“Both quarterbacks are solid and they are getting better,” Weems said. “I’ve got confidence in both of them.”

Montrez Mosley is the Wildcats’ leading receiver with 17 catches for 375 yards and five touchdowns. Lindsey Spinks has 14 receptions for 203 yards and two touchdowns. Cedrick Blanks leads the Wildcats in rushing with 203 yards.

William Alexander anchors the offensive line at center. Alan Coleman and Jeterio Glenn will start at the guards while Johnny Timmons and Isaiah Lewis are the tackles. Justin Darden is the tight end.

Weems noted that this is the first of a four-week slate of division games that will decide MHS’s playoff fate in 2006.

“We play Natchez this week. Then we play Hattiesburg, Oak Grove and Brandon,” Weems said. “All four of those teams are strong and we can’t afford to lose to any of them. Only four teams go to the playoffs.”

Weather could play a factor.

“If it rains, it will cut back on what we do,”Weems said. “But they will be playing in it, too. I’m hoping for nice weather and a good game.”