Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – Red River’s month-long road trip that stretched across Louisiana came to an end Friday at Mansfield, and the Bulldogs travels paid off.

Red River didn’t panic falling behind by a score, and the Bulldogs defense handcuffed an explosive Mansfield offense in a 20-12 win to start District 3-2A play.

“Seeing different programs and how they operate definitely benefitted us,” said Red River coach Byron Keller. “We faced some of the state’s best teas during our pre-district schedule, and those tough battles made us better.”

The Bulldogs (2-4, 1-0) snapped a three-game losing streak and officially tossed their hat into the district title race with a road win against the talented Wolverines (2-4, 0-1).

Mansfield’s offense entered the contest scoring at least 30 points in all five games, including two efforts of 50 or more points.

Big plays have underpinned Mansfield’s offense, but the Wolverines’ biggest play was just 13 yards on a Terrell Pegues run.

Pegues, who is one of the most dynamic rushers and receivers in the area, mustered just 133 total yards on 25 touches (100 rushing, 33 receiving). A Pegues rushing touchdown in the second quarter drew first blood for a 6-0 lead.

“We played great ap scheme defense,” Keller said. “We also displayed our best tackling of the season, and our guys played tough with big collisions to finish plays.

“I was transparent with our team that Mansfield had weapons to score. We had to be disciplined to stop their offense, and we had to make plays offensively.”

Red River’s Jomello McDonald is a key piece that made his return from an injury to catch the Bulldogs’ second touchdown, putting the Bulldogs ahead for good at 14-6 in the third quarter.

McDonald is one of the team’s best defensive backs as well, and the Bulldogs made life difficult through the air for Mansfield.
“Jomello’s return is huge – he’s one of the best players on the team,” Keller said. “His presence alone gives the team a boost in morale and swagger.”

“Every time he’s on the field, he has the potential to make huge plays.”

Mansfield quarterback Sharmal Booker threw for just 47 yards on 5-of-12 passing.

Booker did have a rushing touchdown to close the gap to 14-12 with 7:45 remaining in the fourth quarter.

But Red River put the game away with 2:44 left in the game with a Warren Bowman insurance touchdown, and the Bulldogs shut down Mansfield’s final possession. Running back Montreveun Smith, who has also missed time this season, supplied Red River’s other score.

With the win, Red River puts itself into prime position to contend for a district title in the five-team district.

“This is a big win for us, and we’ve taken a step to secure a district championship,” Keller said.

The Bulldogs return home from the month-long road trip to host undefeated Lakeside (6-0, 1-0), who topped Many’s 39-game district winning streak with a 28-6 win.