By Matt Vines, Journal Services
WINNFIELD – Intensity and physicality.
While Winnfield plays with those things at times, coach Byron Keller said his Tigers will need a complete 48 minutes to compete against the best of District 3-2A.
The Tigers stayed within striking distance of Mansfield, trailing by two touchdowns most of three quarters this past Friday.
But the Wolverines pulled away in the final quarter of a 56-22 win.
Now Winnfield (2-6, 0-2) must turnaround and face the other primary contender for the district title when Red River (4-4, 2-1) comes to town.
While the No. 29 Tigers could potentially make the playoffs with just one win in its final two games, winning both of the remaining games would guarantee a postseason slot in Division III Non-Select.
Red River has plenty on the line as well with the No. 19 Bulldogs vying for their second straight district title and a home playoff game.
Oh, and the Bulldogs are facing their former coach in Keller, who guided Red River to its first district championship since 2005 before taking the Winnfield position this offseason.
There will be plenty of emotion as these two district rivals square off Friday.
“I’m sure that message has been said a couple times at Red River this week,” said Keller, talking about motivating players by mentioning the old coach’s name. “I’m sure they want to win and upset their old coach and have bragging rights for another year.
“Situations like that happen in high school sports and adds to the Friday night environment. But we have to focus on us and continue to get better. We have to play with physicality for 48 minutes.”
Aside from playoff implications, Winnfield players likely have their own motivation source.
Red River whipped Winnfield twice in three weeks by scores of 50-6 and 48-6, the latter in the first round of the playoffs.
“Yes, these kids remember,” Keller said.
Winnfield’s offense sort of kept pace with Mansfield for three quarters by controlling the ball as Winnfield ran more plays (55-36).
But the Tigers defense continues to struggle with containing explosive offenses as Mansfield outgained Winnfield 461-241.
Running back Terrell Pegues averaged nearly 16 yards per carry en route to 174 yards and two touchdowns, adding a 14-yard touchdown catch to the mix as well. Jaydan Hamilton added 112 rushing yards and a pair of scores as well on just seven touches.
Quarterback J.J. Howard threw for 131 yards and two scores on just 4-of-6 passing.
Winnfield’s Detavious Williams scored all three Tiger touchdowns on the ground while gaining 110 yards. Quarterback Nickalas Mockosher was efficient in the short passing game, but Mansfield tackled well to keep the Tigers to 69 yards on 11-of-15 passing.
Mansfield is the owner of the district’s most explosive offense, but Red River has the best passing attack.
Three-year starter Malique Smith is a threat to run and throw with weapons like Warren Bowman and Lathyn Lewis on the receiving end.
“Our team is aware of our ranking and what needs to happen for a playoff spot,” Keller said. “We will focus on our opponents and executing at a high level every chance we get.”
