Matt Vines

BOSSIER CITY – The Red River football team put together another strong start as the Bulldogs scored the first two touchdowns Friday at Class 5A Parkway.

But the Panthers poured on 56 straight points in a 56-12 win.

The Bulldogs (0-3) have taken an early lead for the third straight game, but Red River hasn’t been able to withstand the opponent response in its three losses.

“We started out with a strong game plan, and our guys executed,” said Red River coach Travis Gary. “We were also able to run the football.

“We’re just learning to continue to fight as if it’s 0-0. We have to remain focused and not get too excited.”

Red River took an early lead with rushing touchdowns from Ashton Johnson and Ethan Lopez to build a 12-0 late in the first quarter.

A Johnson swing pass to Lathyn Lewis covered about 50 yards set up Johnson’s first touchdown.

Johnson has improved under center after taking over for an injured Landon Wilson, who prepared this offseason at the position.  

Parkway managed two touchdowns in the second quarter to grab a 15-12 halftime lead. A 52-yard run by Damian Decaldecal and a plunge by Braxxton Black put the Panthers up for good.

The Panthers created separation with three touchdowns each in the third and fourth quarters, including one punt return for a touchdown.

“They made some big plays out of halftime, and they sped up the game to wear our guys down,” Gary said of Parkway’s second-half surge.

The Bulldogs (0-3) come back home this week to welcome in an undefeated Green Oaks squad.

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