WINNFIELD – Winnfield started its three-game homestand to end the season on a great note in a 40-30 win against Many, and the Tigers will seek to continue that trend when Class 3A Jennings (6-2) comes calling Friday.
Winnfield (5-3, 2-1) steps out of district play this week before a chance to claim at least a share of the District 4-2A title comes to town when Mansfield visits in the regular-season finale next week.
The win against Many essentially locked in a playoff spot in Division III Non-Select and put the Tigers in the first-round home game discussion. Winnfield sits at No. 17 in the latest power rankings (top 16 host).
“The win was huge as we minimized the mistakes and played physical,” said Winnfield coach Byron Keller. “We defeated a rival and district opponent.
“I feel that the manner in which we won the game gave our kids a boost going into this last stretch of the season.”
Beat Jennings, and a home playoff game becomes a virtual lock as well.
Beat both Jennings and Mansfield – and Winnfield would be viewed as a serious threat for a deep playoff run.
Winnfield powered past Many on the strength of three straight touchdowns late in the second quarter and in the third quarter.
A three-yard Kenneth Richard touchdown run put the Tigers up 16-14 before half, and touchdown runs by Preston Wilson and Braylen Butler provided the offensive surge for the scoring streak.
Butler ran particularly hard on the night as he gained tough yardage throughout the contest behind a healthy offensive line that owned the line of scrimmage.
But there would be no scoring run without Gabe Wren.
Wren intercepted Many quarterback Lucas McCarty right after the visiting Tigers converted a fake punt, and the interception stole the momentum back for Winnfield.
After Winnfield added to the lead on the ensuing drive, Wren punched the ball away from stud running back Daniel Thomas and recovered the fumble to set up another Winnfield score and a 32-14 edge.
Wren started the fireworks Friday with an electric kickoff return that led to a touchdown once a Winnfield player jumped on Wren’s fumble in the end zone.
Winnfield, which has excelled on special teams this season, will need all of the help it can muster against a Jennings squad that’s ranked No. 10 in the Class 3A LSWA statewide poll.
The Bulldogs feature a triple-option attack in which quarterback Chris Ned excels, totaling more than 1,200 yards and 25 touchdowns.
“It’s a tough offense to defend, and they have play makers that complement that style,” Keller said. “We have the make them drive the length of the field and force them to make mistakes, and we have to capitalize on those mistakes.
“We will definitely have to play keep away because they can score.”
Jennings enters on a six-game winning streak which includes victories against Iowa (reigning Division II Non-Select champions) and Welsh, currently ranked No. 12 Division IV Non-Select.
The Bulldogs offense has been in hyper drive after an 0-2 start, averaging 43 points in its six wins after combining for just 20 points in its two losses (Church Point and Eunice).
Winnfield’s defense has been good when healthy, holding four of its eight opponents to 23 points or fewer.