Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – Realizing their potential.

Ignore the 2-3 record, Red River is progressing toward the team they want to be.

Now they have to learn how to pull off games against teams in higher classifications.

The Bulldogs nearly added a pelt on their wall Friday when they scored a late touchdown but missed a two-point conversion in a 41-40 loss to Class 5A Pineville (4-1).

“They are learning what it means to be pioneers,” said Red River coach Travis Gary. “They are the pioneers of this program, so they have to experience all of the growing pains.

“The young guys will learn from this group’s mistakes in close games. But this group is starting to realize their potential and learning how much the small things in life matter.”

Red River amassed a whopping 557 offensive yards, but in addition to all the passing and rushing yards quarterback Malique Smith piled up, he also threw three interceptions.

Pineville used that momentum to stop Red River drives and mustered just enough of their 310 offensive yards to cobble together scoring drives of their own.

Smith tossed four touchdowns and was a threat with his legs as well.

Warren Bowman was a standout both rushing and receiving as he tallied two touchdowns.

Smith found Bowman on a 32-yard strike early to tie the game at 7-7.

After Pineville scored to regain the lead, Elijah Lewis took the ensuing kickoff as Red River led 14-13.

The Rebels produced a special teams touchdown of their own via a punt return.

Red River’s Cedric Moody also scored a touchdown.

But Pineville ultimately prevailed in the back-and-forth affair as the Rebels are off to one of the best starts in recent memory before they enter into an extremely difficult District 2-5A schedule.

The Bulldogs open District 3-2A when they welcome Mansfield, their third straight home game after starting the season with three road games.