By Matt Vines, Journal Services
There’s no doubt that the Winnfield football team will be more than prepared for the upcoming District 3-2A schedule when it comes around.
The Tigers (1-3) are facing their third straight tough test when Bunkie (4-0) visits Friday.
Winnfield dropped its third consecutive game in a 52-22 loss to another Class 3A power in Jena (4-0).
But the offense again showed life in its 22-point output, scoring a combined 54 points in its last two losses (including a 57-32 defeat to Class 5A West Ouachita).
This past week, an explosive Jena squad scored the first 20 points in the game, but Winnfield running back Detavious Williams showed explosion of his own when he scampered 60 yards for a touchdown and cut Jena’s lead to 20-6.
Williams has made a habit of long touchdown runs this season, adding a dynamic element to Winnfield’s power running game.
Jena’s own power run game was too much though, and a second Daniel Hatcher touchdown run combined with a Deuce McPherson 68-yard touchdown pass put the Giants ahead comfortably at 36-6 in the first half.
But the Tigers’ offense continued to show moxie, and Williams reached the end zone from two yards for a 36-14 halftime score.
Quarterback Nickalas Mockosher tacked on a 2-yard touchdown run to cap the scoring.
The Tigers rushed for 202 yards and gained 250 total yards, while a balanced Jena attack rushed for 238 and threw for 174.
It’s an offense that’s made strides since a 21-12 loss to Caldwell Parish, and they’ll need all the horses they can get against a Bunkie group that compares favorably to district rival Jena.
Bunkie has topped the 30-point mark in all four of its wins, including its most recent 33-6 triumph at Central Catholic.
The Panthers also do their damage on the ground and in the air, but perhaps the most defining quality is their defense.
Bunkie has allowed just 31 points combined through four games, and the defense is likely to be the best Winnfield’s faced this season.
The Panthers are keen on turning teams over, setting up short fields for its own offense.
Bunkie has won the past two meetings between the teams, which included a 50-14 decision this past season.