WINNFIELD – The Byron Keller era is off to a solid start with Winnfield handling Jonesboro-Hodge in a 27-8 win this past week.

 

Now the Tigers (1-0) plan on doubling that win total when they head to Class 3A Caldwell Parish on Friday.

 

Winnfield started the 2024 season 2-0 as well, which included a 22-7 win against a Caldwell Parish squad that didn’t win their first game until the season finale this past season.

 

The Spartans (0-1) didn’t have the horses to hang with Ouachita Christian in a 60-14 loss to open this season.

 

Against J-Hodge, Winnfield limited explosion plays and contained the athletic Tigers.

 

“Defensively, we knew we had to bring pressure and keep the deep ball threat at bay,” Keller said.

 

“Offensively, we had to control the line of scrimmage and keep the ball away from their athletes.

 

“J-Hodge is very athletic, and we focused on stopping the big plays all week.”

 

Winnfield will count on its larger-than-life lines to lean on opponents as three Tigers check in at 275 pounds or more.

 

That materialized against J-Hodge, clearing scoring paths for Craig St. Cyr (twice), Leo Bryant and DeTavious Williams.

 

“Everyone knows that the game lies on winning the trenches, and we are blessed to have large, physical, and smart linemen,” Keller said. “We were able to win the trenches against J-Hodge.”

 

Caldwell isn’t small up front with linemen ranging from 230 to 260, but it’s not the same as a 300-pounder like Joe Lewis.

 

The Spartans actually took an early lead against OCS with an 11-yard run by Blaiden Dunn, but the Eagles dumped the next 29 points.