Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – With the potential of a home playoff game on the line, Red River had plenty to play for against a winless Oakdale.

But it was the Warriors who played with fire and intensity early, building a first-quarter lead and trailing just 14-12 after the first period.

The Bulldogs (6-4) did put everything together in the 54-18 win, scoring 40 of the final 46 points of the game.

“We had to get out of our own way,” said Red River coach Travis Gary. “They came out with more fire than we did, but we turned it up in the second quarter.

“Ending the half with a pick-six was big time.”

Carl Lewis returned that interception 71 yards for a touchdown, constructing a 36-18 halftime lead.

Lewis also had a receiving touchdown to join Landon Wilson and Lathyn Lewis

Quarterback Malique Smith threw five touchdowns and ran for another in pacing Red River’s offense to a second straight 50-point performance.

The Bulldogs scored a season-high 58 points in the previous week in a win against Winnfield.

But defensive improvement from the first to second half was key to the large final margin as the Bulldogs shut out Oakdale in the second half.

Friday’s win was the fourth time Red River has held its opponent to 18 points or less.

Red River entered the night in play for a district title, but Mansfield sewed up the crown by itself with a 28-10 win against Many.

The Bulldogs finished second in District 3-2A.

Despite the win, Red River didn’t move up in the Division III Non-Select playoff brackets and will head to No. 14 Many in the first round of the playoffs.

The Bulldogs defeated Many, 34-6, just a couple weeks ago.