By Matt Vines, Journal Sports
Many found itself in a unusual position at the end of the first quarter against Red River — with the lead.
Kellen Cox and Ky’xaiver Warren connected on a 4-yard touchdown pass with Warren adding a 2-point conversion for the 8-6 advantage.
The Many (0-8, 0-3 District 3-2A) defense held Red River (4-4, 3-0) in the red zone as the Tigers appeared to have some momentum.
But a disastrous punt led to a 20-yard Jacob Kellogg touchdown return for the Bulldogs, who poured on the next 42 points in a 48-8 win.
Many was still in the game trailing 20-8 at the half, but Red River forced a failed fourth down and a fumble to score two third-quarter touchdowns to salt away the victory.
The Tigers lost to Red River for the first time since 2007.
Those types of streaks have ended against familiar district opponents like Winnfield and Mansfield, but now Many will try hang on in the win column outside of district play.
The Tigers will head to North Webster (2-6), another program that’s been somewhat of a force in the past decade but fallen on hard times this season.
While the Knights haven’t hung any banners like Many, the Class 3A squad has had its share of deep playoff runs under then-head coach John Ware, who moved to Lakeside this season.
Enter Christopher Wilson in his first season as he tries to rebuild North Webster in his image.
The Knights picked up their second win of the season in a 16-8 victory against Richwood.
Both Many and North Webster have had offensive struggles this season.
Outside of a combined 75 points scored in losses to Leesville and St. Mary’s, the Tigers have managed just 28 points in their other six losses.
North Webster has scored more than 20 points just once this season, but the Knights’ defense has been a little more reliable.
The Knights have held three of its opponents to single digits with just two teams scoring more than 35 points.
Seven of Many’s eight opponents have scored more than 35.
If Many can’t find a way against North Webster, the Tigers will aim for their first victory against Mansfield in the season finale.