The start to Many’s football season couldn’t gone much better as the Tigers dominated their first opponents as new head coach Tyler Hassell aimed to build a foundation following the 0-10 season.

Friday’s 48-15 loss to Leesville proved that Many couldn’t be restored to its former glory overnight.

But Many (2-1) should have the edge this coming week when travel to Northwestern State’s Turpin Stadium to face Class 1A St. Mary’s.

St. Mary’s (0-3) has struggled to dent the scoreboard with 26 points in its first three games, which includes a 7-6 loss to Holy Savior Menard this past week.

They surely can be dangerous as they nearly pulled off an upset of fellow District 3-2A member Red River in a 20-14 loss, a Red River team that nearly knocked off Oak Grove this past week.

In that 2024 winless season, Many did score a season-high 40 points in a 64-40 loss to St. Mary’s.

But this year’s Tigers are not the same as this year’s 99 points nearly matches Many’s 2024 total for the entire season.

What Many will need on the road in Week 4 is a better start to the game.

Leesville scored the first 28 points this past week, which included taking advantage of one Many turnover and another failed fourth-down conversion.

After running back Grant Braxton plowed in the first score, Leesville recovered a Many fumble in Tigers territory, setting up a second Braxton scoring plunge.

Many’s most promising drive ended in a failed fourth down near the red zone, and Leesville marched down the field to take a 21-0 lead on a Trel Bloom 10-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Tucker.

Braxton rushed for 156 yards and five touchdowns to set the tone.

Many couldn’t much sustained on offense as the Tigers gained just 175 offensive yards.

Quarterback Kellen Cox did throw one touchdown on a 3-for-9 passing day with Rodney Waller running in the other score.