One win does not a dynasty restore, but man, what an impression the Many Tigers made in their season-opening 35-19 win at Logansport.
Coming off an 0-10 season in which the Tigers weren’t competitive most games, the Tyler Hassell era started with a bang as Many manhandled a proud Logansport program that advanced to the Division IV Non-Select semifinals this past season.
Hassell was on the Many staff for much of the glory years under Jess Curtis, including the last few seasons as defensive coordinator before he joined Curtis at Natchitoches Central in 2023.
The Tigers looked like the boys of yesteryear, particularly in the second half, outscoring Logansport 21-6.
“The rebuild isn’t over by any means, but the key so far has been full buy-in from the kids and the coaching staff,” Hassell said. “From day one, we’ve preached attitude, belief, and culture. Our ABC’s. Belief being the most important component – belief in themselves, in each other, and in the process. We’ve worked hard to establish a culture where effort and preparation are non-negotiables. When you stack enough good days together, success starts to follow. I’m proud of how fast our guys have embraced that.”
Daniel Thomas rushed for four touchdowns, including an 88-yarder to put the exclamation point on the win.
Many’s defense stiffened in the second half after giving up passing touchdowns of 32 and 75 yards as the Tigers scored 21 straight points after halftime to take control.
“We played a physical brand of football from start to finish,” Hassell said. “Our defense did a great job of getting stops and getting the ball back in our offense’s hands.
“Offensively, we controlled the ball and sustained drives. As the game went on, especially in the late third and into the fourth quarter, I felt like we really wore them down. That physicality and discipline on both sides of the ball was a big difference maker.”
After 11 straight losses including the 2023 quarterfinals defeat, Many aims to start a different streak.
The Tigers will go for two in a row when they welcome DeRidder on Friday.
The Dragons (1-0) handled business in a 42-13 win against South Beauregard after a 5-6 record and playoff appearance in 2024.
A diverse rushing attack got the job done for DeRidder as Jaiden Cooper gained 120 rushing yards and Javaughn Fairley rushed for three touchdowns and 73 yards.
The Dragons won the 2024 matchup 37-0, one of eight times Many was held to single-digit scoring.