Turnovers and injuries.
Those two themes permeated Winnfield’s current two-game losing streak, although a step up in competition from the first three opponents certainly didn’t help matters.
The Tigers (3-2) hit the road to start District 4-2A play Friday when they head to a suddenly resurgent Red River (1-4) bunch.
For Winnfield, having their players in new positions – and even new sides of the ball – will be key in holding down the fort until a few key starters return.
“We have been hit with the injury bug this season,” Keller said. “We have people playing new positions that they never played before, and some playing both sides of the ball, which has limited us in all three phases of the game.
“We have to keep improving from week to week and get our starters back from injury.”
In the meantime, ball control and efficiency will be the Tigers’ best friend.
In a 23-14 loss to an undefeated St. Mary’s team, coach Byron Keller said those Tigers executed their ball control game plan better.
“Both teams had the goal of possessing the football to keep it out of the others hand,” Keller said. “And they did it better.
“Both teams moved the ball efficiently, but we lost the turnover battle, and that’s what decided the game.”
For Red River, a key turnover sparked them to their first win of the season – a 30-24 decision at previously undefeated Logansport, which was ranked No. 5 Class 1A coming in.
Lathyn Lewis returned an interception for a touchdown that highlighted the Bulldogs rally.
The Bulldogs have also had their battles with injuries as preseason starter Landon Wilson has yet to take a snap.
But quarterback Ashton Johnson has filled that void, getting better each week to the point where head coach Travis Gary said Wilson will return to his receiver spot (all-district performer) when he comes back.
Red River has the upper hand in this series of late, winning the last four meetings, including a 2024 playoff showdown.
Keller led the Red River rebuild, which included their first district title in two decades in 2024 before coming to Winnfield in 2025.
It’ll be his first trip back to Coushatta after the Bulldogs played at Winnfield in his first season.
Just like the St. Mary’s game plan, Winnfield will aim to control the ball and win the turnover battle.
“We have to limit the turnovers and get back to playing mistake-free football,” Keller said. “Red River is talented and defeated Logansport last week.
“We will have to play our brand of physical football on Friday.”