By Matt Vines, Journal Services
MANSFIELD – Byron Keller knows what it’s like to face a district opponent in the first round of the playoffs.
He led Red River to a resounding win against Winnfield in 2024, and now he finds himself in the same situation as the head ball coach of Winnfield.
The No. 25 Tigers (3-7) will head to No. 8 Mansfield (8-2), a District 3-2A foe that topped the Tigers 56-22 in Week 8.
Winnfield hung tough when Mansfield visited this season, staying within two touchdowns of the Wolverines for the better part of three quarters before Mansfield separated late.
The defense must contain Mansfield running back Terrell Pegues, who averaged nearly 16 yards per carry en route to 174 rushing yards and three total touchdowns.
But the Tigers are already in playoff mode, needing a win against Lakeside to climb into the playoff picture in Week 10.
Winnfield locked up Lakeside 20-6 to secure its second straight playoff berth.
“Holding Lakeside was huge,” Keller said. “Our defense played with confidence, and that was a great finish to the regular season and start to the playoffs.
“It’s important in our building process to play as long as possible and continue building. We need to build confidence in our players and gain as much experience as possible. I love these kids, and I want to keep our season going as long as possible.”
Winnfield proved its running game is diverse as usual receiver Craig St. Cyr scored twice against Lakeside, adding to the lethal duo of Detavious and Richard Williams.
“St. Cyr is a weapon any time he is on the field, and we want the football in his hands as much as possible,” Keller said. “He is the player who has the ability to make explosive plays every time he touches the football.”
Quarterback Nickalas Mockosher continues to make strides in the passing game as a junior, and a consistent air attack paired with Winnfield’s explosive rushing game could spell trouble in the first round.
Mansfield has somewhat of a balance between the run and the pass as quarterback J.J. Howard threw for 131 yards on just 4-of-6 passing and two scores in the first Winnfield matchup.
But it’s a Winnfield defense that’s showed signs of maturity in recent weeks, particularly in the Lakeside contest in a must-win scenario.
Mansfield has won a playoff game in each of the past two seasons. A perennial playoff team, the Wolverines hadn’t pulled many recent wins with the last coming in 2018 before this streak.
