Matt Vines

COUSHATTA – The playoffs are still in reach for Red River as the Bulldogs head to District 4-2A favorite Mansfield on Friday.

But it’s crunch time, and the Bulldogs (1-6, 0-2) need to win at least one of their last three games – if not two – to punch their postseason ticket.

Red River couldn’t find ways at home against Winnfield (68-39) and Many (43-22), so now the Bulldogs need to pack up and get it done on their road in their final three games.

Stopping the run has been a key issue for a Red River defense that’s allowed five teams to score 49 points or more this season.

And that’s exactly what Mansfield (6-1) brings to the table as its running machine of Jaydan Hamilton and Zayvon Sanders along with quarterback Jaterrius Howard powers a Wolverine offense that’s rushed for more than 2,500 yards.

While the Wolverines have just one win over a team with a winning record (Lakeside, 42-15), Mansfield has crushed lesser opponents like Class 5A New Iberia (42-0), Class 3A Washington Marion (48-0), Class 3A Grant (46-23) and Class 4A Woodlawn (40-20).

The Bulldogs have primarily relied on the pass this season as quarterback Ashton Johnson has blossomed after assuming the starting role right before the season.

The return of preseason starting quarterback Landon Wilson into his receiving role the past two weeks has added more firepower to an offense that features Lathyn Lewis, Christian Haskett, and Tra’jalen Demery.

The Bulldogs could certainly benefit from a traditional running game (Johnson is the leading runner from under center), but moving the ball and scoring points hasn’t been much of a problem.

While failed fourth-down conversions from all over the field sometimes put the defense in unenviable positions, the Bulldogs need to get off the field more defensively and generate more turnovers.

The good news? Red River’s lone win this season came against Class 1A power Logansport that still remains as the Tigers only loss.

The Bulldogs currently sit at No. 28, the final playoff spot – one position behind the Many bunch that just beat them.

Red River is helped by its strength factor (7.14), which is among the top quarter of teams in Division III Non-Select.

But the Bulldogs need wins to keep their playoff spot.

Even if it doesn’t come against Mansfield on the road this week, the Bulldogs will need to topple either Lakeside or Class 3A Loyola in their final two games.

Two wins guarantees a spot, while one win will have the Bulldogs scoreboard watching to see if they can snatch a spot.

But if that one win comes against No. 7 Mansfield on Friday, put that playoff bus reservation in.

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