Matt Vines
COUSHATTA – When Red River snatched a 22-7 lead at Oak Grove in the first half of Friday’s game, the Bulldogs probably thought what was possible.

More than just a fast start, Red River had gone on the road and smashed one of the elite Class 2A football programs in the mouth.

Oak Grove (2-1) did wipe out that Red River lead, winning the second half in a big way to score the 42-36 victory and ultimately send the Bulldogs packing with a loss.

“It still stings a little,” said first-year head coach Travis Gary. “But we knew what we were walking into all week, and we executed our plan.

“We just have to make sure we close it out next time.”

Red River’s (1-2) shift to a primary passing offense under Gary has allowed quarterback Malique Smith to spread his wings as both a passer and a runner.

After Cedric Moody’s eight-yard touchdown gave Red River the early edge, Smith tacked on a 12-yard scoring strike to Warren Bowman as the Bulldogs went up 14-0 early.

Oak Grove got its ground game going as Patrick Hill finished off a drive to cut Red River’s lead to 14-7.
But the visitors weren’t backing down, and Smith connected with Elijah Lewis for a 12-yard touchdown to grab a 22-7 edge.

The two teams traded scores to end the half, an Oak Grove rushing touchdown to slice Red River’s lead to one score, which the Bulldogs increased to 30-14 on a Smith 1-yard rushing touchdown.

“Malique is flourishing in our new system,” Gary said. “He’s getting a chance to show off his skillset.

“We executed in the first half and did what we were supposed to do.”

Oak Grove made its stand in the second half, outscoring Red River 28-6 for the win.

The final score erased a Red River 36-34 lead in the fourth quarter, which was Oak Grove’s first and only lead of the night (42-36).

“In the second half, Oak Grove came out and got a score and then a stop – it was a battle from there,” Gary said. “We just never got that final stop that we needed in the second half, and the ball bounced their way.”

Red River’s performance is indicative of the steps the program continues to take under Gary, particularly a marked improvement over the 20-12 win against St. Mary’s this past week.

Oak Grove had beaten Red River 55-8 this past season, part of a 1-4 start.

Red River is 1-2 to start this season with all three games coming on the road.

The Bulldogs play at home for the first time Friday when White Castle comes to town.

“Our main take away is that you can execute and fight with everything you have and still not get the result you’re looking for – and that’s life,” Gary said. “But the win in the situation is when you come up against this situation again, you are experienced and prepared to handle it.”