Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – A glimpse of the sunshine.

That’s how Red River coach Travis Gary described Friday’s 30-24 win over previously undefeated Logansport (4-1), who entered as the No. 5 team in the Class 1A statewide poll.

The Bulldogs (1-4) record their first win of the season, making sure they don’t enter District 4-2A play without the taste of victory.

“The best feeling was seeing our guys faces and emotions to finally see what they’ve worked for pay off,” Gary said. “We’ve been weathering the storm, and we’ve got a glimpse of the sunshine.

“I think this will be a turning point for us.”

Logansport quarterback Kollin Magee had been one of the better quarterbacks in northwest Louisiana, also armed with a solid running game.

But the Red River defense strangled the running game and forced Magee to the air in less than optimal situations.

“We were able to limit their big plays and stop the run,” Gary said. “Those were key factors in the win.

“Our guys believed they could win from the beginning.”

Lathyn Lewis returned an interception for a touchdown that shifted momentum and proved to be the difference maker.

An earlier Lewis interception set up Red River’s first touchdown —  an Ashton Johnson pass to Christopher Haskett, one of his two receiving scores on the night, to answer Logansport’s first score.

Johnson threw three touchdown passes and ran for another as he’s grown into the starter role he assumed right before the season started.

He found Trajalen Demery over the middle for a score before Haskett broke a long touchdown on a crossing route.

“Our offense limited mistakes and executed well,” Gary said.

The win snaps an 0-4 start, which was Red River’s worst start since 2023’s 0-5 beginning.

The Bulldogs started 1-4 in 2024 before they went on to win the district title with five victories.

That adventure starts this coming week when Winnfield (3-2) comes calling to begin league play.

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