When a team on a two-game losing streak enters district play with the first two games on the road, it could spell trouble.
But Winnfield put all those fears to rest this past week when they thumped Red River by a score of 68-39.
Now the Tigers (4-2, 1-0 District 4-2A) will look to capitalize on that momentum when they hit the road for the final time this season in a Week 7 trip to Lakeside (3-3, 0-1).
The Warriors, coached by the North Webster veteran John Ware, have beaten teams they are supposed to with big victories over North Caddo, Plain Dealing, and East Beauregard.
But they bumped their heads on their ceiling in the first week of district play in a 42-15 loss at reigning district champion Mansfield.
Now Winnfield wants to move into that district title discussion, and a second road win would put the Tigers in that conversation.
Winnfield’s Wing-T rushing attack steamrolled Red River with the Tigers’ rushing yards likely topping 400 yards (no official stats available).
The young running back corps impressed as Preston Wilson burst on the scene in his first career start with three touchdowns and around 200 yards while Braylen Butler also crossed the 100-yard mark.
Wilson, Butler and Kenneth Richard are all sophomores, although Richard left the game with a leg injury after scoring his one touchdown.
Add Dalton Powell in the mix, who also scored a touchdown in picking up Richard’s work load.
Quarterback Nickalas Mockosher got in on the action with two rushing scores of his own, including a 50-yard quarterback sneak in which he sliced through the Red River defense.
Winnfield’s defense, who had handcuffed opponents not named Jena pretty well this season, did surrender 39 points to Red River, the Bulldogs’ season high.
The Tigers didn’t have an answer for Lathyn Lewis, who scored five touchdowns, including one punt return for a touchdown.
Winnfield did force three turnovers and several other failed fourth-down conversions to keep Red River from getting close.
Lakeside doesn’t have someone like Lewis, but the Warriors can grind out touchdowns with efficient drives while their stout defense has held five of its six opponents to 24 or fewer points.
Whomever wins third and fourth down and forces more turnovers is the likely winner.
Winnfield moved up into home playoff territory at No. 13 in the Division III Non-Select rankings while Lakeside is seeking to improve its No. 21 standing.