MANY – A three-game road trip in high school football is difficult for any program, but Many is just an overtime period away from going 2-0 in the first two games of that trip.
Now the Tigers (2-5, 1-0 District 4-2A) have a chance to finish the road swing on a high note at Winnfield (4-3, 1-1) on Friday in a clash of two teams jockeying for playoff position.
Many’s 43-22 win at Red River snapped a three-game slide as the Tigers flashed what they could blossom into by season’s end.
Winnfield couldn’t complete a late comeback in a 20-14 loss at Lakeside, which is its third loss in four games after a 3-0 start.
Both teams currently have an inside track in the playoffs with Winnfield at No. 21 and Many at No. 27.
But a loss, particularly by Many, could push somebody temporarily out of the playoff picture.
Many is looking to replicate its strong finish to the 2025 season in which they won three of the last five regular-season games (started 2-3) and a first-round playoff game against Red River.
Winnfield did make the playoffs in the first season of head coach Byron Keller, but these Tigers have a chance for a home playoff game if they fare well in the last three regular-season contests – all at home.
But Keller knows his bunch has to match Many’s physicality, something they couldn’t do in 2025’s loss (66-40).
Many stud running back Daniel Thomas compiled 317 yards in that win, and Thomas is back again having topped 1,200 yards this season and 3,000 for his career.
Many found a bit of a passing game with freshman Luke McCarty throwing for 61 yards on 3-of-4 and two scores after completing just nine passes (with seven interceptions) through his first six games.
“They are a tough, physical, gritty football team,” Keller said. “They played a tough pre-district schedule and have played well as of late.
“We have to be the most physical team and limit the mistakes.”
Turnovers have been a bugaboo of both teams at points this season, and whomever wins up front and in the turnover battle is the likely victor.
Both teams still hold their own playoff and district destiny in their hands.
Mansfield (6-1, 1-0) appears to be in the driver’s seat in this district as they host Red River on Friday, but the Wolverines have to travel to Many and Winnfield to close out the season.
Many has a win in its only district contest and gets Mansfield and Lakeside at home if they can survive the Winnfield trip.
Even though Winnfield has a district loss, the Tigers play the final two district games at home (Many and Mansfield) and also get a
Week 9 home game with non-district opponent Jennings.
The likely scenario is that both teams make the playoffs, but Friday’s winner could propel that squad to host a first-round playoff game.