MANY – Despite a disappointing loss at Winnfield and a 2-6 start, one thing still rings true – the district title comes through Many and John Curtis Stadium.
The Tigers will have a say on who lifts that trophy in the next two weeks, starting Friday when district leader Mansfield (7-1, 2-0 District 4-2A) comes to town.
Many (2-6, 1-1) can still put itself in the district driver’s seat by upsetting the Wolverines, who will bring their power-running game similar to the style of Winnfield.
But the Wolverines have had a little more pop this season with the three-headed attack of Jaydan Hamilton (1,087 yards, 13 TDs), Zayvon Sanders (981 yards, 15 TDs) and quarterback J.J. Howard (561 yards, 11 TDs).
Howard is a veteran with multiple years as Mansfield’s starter, and while the Wolverines can create explosion plays through the air, they really haven’t had to.
Howard has thrown for just 243 yards and three touchdowns with this first interception coming this past week against Red River, albeit in a 48-12 win.
The trio nearly all crossed the 100-yard mark against the Bulldogs as Sanders rushed for 170, Hamilton for 164 and Howard for 89 yards.
Many did make Winnfield earn their yards and points, but the home-standing Tigers converted key third and fourth downs in
Many’s 40-30 loss on the road this past week.
Many led 14-8 late in the second quarter and was in good shape before Winnfield scored three straight touchdowns to build a 32-14 edge.
Many’s first offensive plays of the third quarter were both turnovers, a Daniel Thomas fumble and a Lucas McCarty interception.
Winnfield’s Gabe Wren was a one-man wrecking crew in that third quarter as he forced and recovered Thomas’s fumble and intercepted McCarty.
Winnfield led meandering scoring drives that ate up nearly all of the third quarter, and Many couldn’t dig itself out of the second-half hole.
Of course Many’s own power rushing attack did have success as Thomas rushed for 153 yards and two touchdowns while Jayarious Stills added 59 yards and a score.
Thomas has 1,403 yards and 15 touchdowns this season to highlight what’s been a remarkable career.
McCarty connected with Keelan Maxie on a 43-yard touchdown strike and complete 5-of-11 for 62 yards, all to Maxie.
Those quick momentum changes need to go Many’s way if the Tigers are to knock off the defending district champions as Mansfield ended a drought of about 20 years without a district title in 2025. A Wolverine win means that Mansfield has clinched at least a share of the district title and an inside track to an outright title.
Many hoisted the majority of those trophies during that stretch as the Tigers won 10 straight titles without dropping a league game.
Mansfield and coach Darrell Barbay reached the quarterfinals for the first time in 32 years this past season, and the Wolverines are eyeing another deep playoff run.
But Many can likely secure their playoff spot with a win Friday as the Tigers sit at No. 29 – one spot out of the playoff picture.
A loss to Mansfield doesn’t sink Many’s playoff chances, but it does mean the Tigers will almost surely need a home win against Lakeside (5-3, 1-1) in the finale.