By Matt Vines, Journal Services 

Byron Keller lifted the District 3-2A championship trophy at the end of this past season, but he was wearing Red River High blue.

Now Keller is back in Winnfield red, a color he wore as an assistant in 2021 and 2022, as the program’s new head coach. During his first stint, Winnfield won home playoff games in both years.

Keller and Red River thumped Winnfield both to end the regular season and again in the first round of the playoffs this past season.

Now Keller is bringing that energy and swagger to Winnfield as the Tigers aim to contend for the district title.

That journey begins Friday at home against Jonesboro-Hodge, a team they blanked 27-0 to start the 2024 season.

Keller praised his offensive and defensive lines specifically, units he believes will create space for Winnfield’s playmakers. Winnfield is big, weighing in between 275 and 300 pounds pretty much across the board, which will be problematic for any opponent.

Joe Lewis checks in at 6-foot-3, 300 pounds with Jacob Crosler (290 pounds) and Andrew Chevallier (275 pounds) not far behind.

All-district linebacker Zaelyn Thomas will lead a defense that played well at times last season.
Winnfield has won just six games combined in the past two seasons, and they are eager to get back closer to their storied history.

Jonesboro-Hodge struggled mightily to a 1-6 start this past season, but the Tigers found life late with wins over Glenbrook and Cedar Creek to make the playoffs, where they nearly scored a first-round victory.
These Tigers return nearly every big piece back from that 4-7 squad and will be looking to make early-season noise with a road upset.