By Matt Vines, Journal Sports

Many knew it would face an uphill climb this season with the loss of 26 seniors from a quarterfinals team one year ago.

But no one in Sabine Parish likely imagined a season in which the Tigers would be looking for their first win in the final week, but that’s where the Tigers (0-9, 0-3 District 3-2A) find themselves as they host Mansfield in the season finale.

Mansfield (5-4, 2-1) is the hottest team not named Red River in the district as the Wolverines have won four of their last five contests, including a 47-14 whipping of Lakeside.

Many has struggled to find its footing, suffering through its fifth straight loss in which they’ve scored eight points or fewer points in a 39-8 loss to North Webster this past week.

The game wasn’t undecided for long as North Webster’s Ja’Myrion Jackson plowed into the endzone on the Knights’ first drive before Donte Owens returned an interception for a touchdown for a quick 16-0 lead.

Another score from Kemo Jefferson to J’Kobe Lawson made the score 24-0 still in the first quarter, and the Knights coasted from there.

A poor punt snap and an interception contributed to North Webster’s next two scores and a 39-0 lead in the second quarter.

J.J. Stills scored Many’s lone touchdown on a 10-yard run with four minutes remaining.

Many’s offense appeared to have made progress in the first half of the season by scoring 35 and 40 points, respectively, on the backs of quarterback Kellen Cox, running backs Daniel Thomas and Jonathan Anderson, and receiver Ky’Xavier Warren.

But those were the only times Many scored multiple touchdowns in a game this season.

Mansfield has had their own struggles on defense, allowing 64 points to Northwood, 55 to Lake Charles College Prep, and 44 to North Caddo in a win.

But the Wolverines have been much less porous in district play, not allowing more than 20 points (Red River and Winnfield) in its four games.

The Tigers will try to send out their seven seniors on a high note with Warren and Anderson topping that list.

Being more than a full power point (and eight spots) out of playoff contention, the Tigers likely won’t be making a playoff trip even with a win.

But a win against Mansfield could take some of the sting out of this season, preparing another young Many group to begin picking up the pieces this offseason and reforging this proud program.