Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – Red River knows that Friday’s home game against Oakdale won’t be its last of the season.
And if the Bulldogs play anywhere close to their potential, the result of the game probably isn’t much in doubt either as Red River (5-4) welcomes in a winless Oakdale (0-9) bunch.

The biggest question surrounding Friday’s game is whether No. 19 Red River can leapfrog into the top 16 and host a first-round playoff game.

But first-year coach Travis Gary isn’t concerned about all the different scenarios and won’t be rushing to find the scores around the state that will determine if Red River hops on a bus or not.

“I don’t buy much into it,” Gary said. “I understand where we are as far as ranking goes.

“If we move into a home game, great. But if not, then that’s fine, too. Because at the end of the day, we still have to beat them all whether home or away.”

If the playoffs started today, Red River would get a rematch with No. 14 Many, a team that beat 34-6 earlier this season.

While Oakdale won’t do Red River’s strength factor any favors, the teams that Red River need to jump for a home playoff game do have tough slates ahead of them.

No. 18 Rayville catches a tough Ferriday bunch.

No. 17 Pine will be heavy favorites against Springfield.

No. 16 Westlake will have its hands full with Jennings.

No. 15 Avoyelles is on a six-game winning streak but will collide with an undefeated Kinder squad.

And No. 14 Many will try a force three-way tie for the District 3-2A crown when they face district leader Mansfield.

Red River, who is about 0.5 power points out of playoff spot, will need to leapfrog three of those five times.

But for all the calculating and scoreboard watching that could take place Friday, Gary’s thoughts haven’t traveled past the team that’s for sure on their schedule – Oakdale.

“They have good athletes, and they have a new coach as they seem to be trying to find their way,” Gary said. “We have to play fast and score early and often.

“Starting the playoffs at home would be great for the community, but ultimately being on the road is inevitable. Our mindset is to line up and win no matter where we have to play.”