MANY – While Many did replace a slew of veteran players this season, it’s safe to say nobody expected the Tigers to be 0-2 heading into this week’s Homecoming matchup against East Beauregard.
Maybe the 0-2 record isn’t the most shocking part – the Tigers lost a late lead at Class 1A power Logansport before a trip down to a Class 3A DeRidder squad that had one of its best performances in a couple years.
Many has always leaned on the run, but the Tigers are making costly mistakes in the passing game that’s changing the tenor of those games.
Freshman Lucas McCarty will undoubtedly get better as he gets more varsity snaps under his belt, learning which throws are advisable and which ones are not.
DeRidder used two interceptions returned for touchdowns in its building of a 35-0 lead before Many steadied in the 49-20 loss.
Which sets up a Week 3 matchup with an East Beauregard team that, based on recent seasons, should be a cake walk.
But not so fast.
The Trojans are 2-0 after blasting Merryville (30-9) and Northwood-Lena (48-8). Those opponents aren’t knocking anyone’s socks off, but for a program that entered the season with just three combined wins over the past two seasons, it’s a huge step back to the five and six wins East Beauregard collected in 2022 and 2023.
Many running back Daniel Thomas can still shoulder the load with 310 rushing yards and three touchdowns through the first two games.
But the Tigers learned something else valuable against DeRidder – they have backs capable of breaking big runs when defenses key on Thomas.
Keelan Maxie and Jayrious Stills combined for 171 yards on just 13 carries, each scoring a touchdown.
Thomas rushed for a yeoman’s 90 yards on 20 touches also with a score.
Many’s offensive line proved it can still create running room when defenses know the Tigers are going to run given the lack of a passing game to date.
Now Many must balance complementary football into the equation to help its defense, which has allowed more than 40 points in each of its first two games (albeit with two touchdowns from opposing defenses).
The Tigers defense intercepted Logansport quarterback Kollin Magee three times and are capable of forcing turnovers themselves to set up short fields for Many’s offense.
Many has fallen behind by two touchdowns in the first half of its first two games, climbing out of that hole against Logansport while DeRidder was never seriously threatened with a Many comeback.
A better start will be key if Many is to avoid an 0-3 start with difficult contests at Catholic-Pointe Coupee and against Leesville coming up.