Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – Coming off its first district title since 2005, the Red River football team could go one of two ways.

Rest on its laurels after one of the program’s best seasons in decades, or be motivated to try and top that campaign.

New head coach Travis Gary said this bunch has most certainly taken the latter approach through spring and summer workouts.

“Our guys are highly motivated, and we have a group of seniors that’s played all four years,” Gary said. “The success toward the end of last year motivated them more, and they’ve been working hard to get better and have more of a sense of urgency.”

Final seasons can have that effect, and this roster features nine seniors who have been cornerstones of this rebuild.

Quarterback Malique Smith, the District 3-2A Co-Offensive MVP is a three-year starter under center, and he’ll have veterans protecting him like Karrington Owens and Jamarion Iverson.

Skill players like Warren Bowman, Cedric Moody, Cameron Jones and Carl Lewis will spearhead an attack that improved throughout this past season, which resulted in a 7-5 record and first-round playoff win.
Red River competed well in its first 7v7 tournament earlier this month, posting a 3-2 record with wins against Benton A (42-17), Arcadia (27-10) and Lincoln Prep (25-11) and losses to Benton B (26-25 and 27-26).

The Bulldogs do have holes to fill like any other team, including losing three offensive linemen, defensive MVP Jacob Kellogg and two-way player Jomello McDonald.

But nine all-district players return with another four who were honorably mentioned, putting Red River in the driver’s seat to repeat as district champions.

Travis Gary started the 2024 season just as a position coach but was promoted to defensive coordinator in the middle of the season and led a turnaround for that unit in district play.

Red River held four of its five district opponents to single digits before crushing Winnfield in the first round of the playoffs.

Gary said the first offseason as a head coach is kind of like “walking in the dark,” but he’s letting his faith lead as he leads young men.

“It’s been a learning experience for sure,” Gary said. “But God put me in this position, and I keep taking steps in faith.

“I want to pass that down to the young men.”

Red River kicks off its regular season Sept. 5 at Catholic-Pointe Coupee.