Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – In recent seasons, Red River had tested itself against larger schools from the area in preparation for a tough District 3-2A slate.

The Bulldogs scheduled differently this season, opting to play schools of similar size but often with longer road trips involved to better prepare for the playoffs.

But this week, Red River reverts back to its old scheduling methods as the Bulldogs (1-3) head to Class 5A Pineville in its last game before district play begins.

While Red River may have scheduled schools of the same size, that certainly hasn’t meant the quality of opponent has dipped.

Red River’s losses include Catholic-Pointe Coupee (26-6), Oak Grove (55-8) and most recently White Castle (48-30).

Even Red River’s win against St. Mary’s (26-13 decision) looks even better this week after the Tigers drummed usual District 3-2A power Many in a 64-40 contest.

Red River established itself on both lines of scrimmage in that win against St. Mary’s, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

The Bulldogs hope its defense can return closer to that form after allowing a combined 104 points the past two weeks, but Pineville won’t be an easy task. Red River’s defense did improve in the second half against White Castle, allowing just 10 points after White Castle compiled 38 first-half points.

The Rebels have scored at least 25 points in its first three games, which include wins against Avoyelles (35-20) and Tioga (39-36).

Pineville is coming off a 41-13 loss to a surging Leesville bunch this past week.

Part of Red River’s defensive success has been the ability to force turnovers. The Bulldogs forced at least two turnovers in each of its first three games, but it was Red River’s own turnovers that loomed large in the loss to White Castle.

Red River lost two fumbles and didn’t force any turnovers as White Castle built an 18-0 lead and fended off the Bulldogs’ comeback attempts.

Red River did score a season-high 30 points at White Castle led by Warren Bowman’s three touchdowns. Bowman has produced in the running and passing games, where he teams up with Montreveun Smith in the backfield and then Jomello McDonald in passing routes.

While every team aims to win every game, Pineville could have an increase of urgency with a daunting upcoming schedule – Neville, Alexandria Senior High, West Monroe and Ruston.

After Many (0-4) has dominated District 3-2A for nearly a decade, the apparent fall of the Sabine Parish Tigers means the door is wide open for the entire district field with Red River angling to insert itself at the top.

A win at Pineville (or even a competitive loss) could send a signal to the rest of the district that the Bulldogs should be considered serious contenders.