The Red River (Coushatta, LA) varsity football team will play a home playoff game against Winnfield (LA) today at 7 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division III Non-Select tournament.

What: Louisiana High School Football
Who: Red River (LA) vs Winnfield (LA)
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 LHSAA Football Playoffs (Louisiana) – Division III Non-Select
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Red River vs. Winnfield: A Pre-Playoff Showdown

The upcoming playoff game between the Winnfield Tigers and the Red River Bulldogs is set to be an exciting matchup. The two teams meet today at 7 p.m. in a crucial playoff contest, following a dominant performance from the Bulldogs in their previous meeting this month.

Season Overview:

• Winnfield Tigers (24-25):
  • Record: 4-6 overall, 1-3 in district play
  • Home: 3-2
  • Away: 1-4
  • Points For: 176
  • Points Against: 230
  • Win %: 40% (District %: 25%)
• Red River Bulldogs (24-25):
  • Record: 6-4 overall, 4-0 in district play
  • Home: 3-0
  • Away: 3-4
  • Points For: 274
  • Points Against: 214
  • Win %: 60% (District %: 100%)

While Red River enters the playoffs with a more consistent record, having gone unbeaten in district play, Winnfield has struggled at times, but their performance this season has been a mix of highs and lows. Despite the disparity in win-loss records, both teams will be aiming to make a statement in this postseason clash.

Head-to-Head Comparison:

In their previous meeting on November 1st, Red River handed Winnfield a heavy defeat, winning 50-6. In that game, the Bulldogs dominated early, with a commanding 22-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. Winnfield’s only points came in the final quarter, but the damage had already been done. This loss highlighted some of the issues the Tigers will need to address before their next encounter.

Scoring Averages:

• Winnfield Tigers:
  • 1st Quarter: 1.6
  • 2nd Quarter: 5.9
  • 3rd Quarter: 5.2
  • 4th Quarter: 3.9
  • Total: 17.6 points per game
• Red River Bulldogs:
  • 1st Quarter: 5.7
  • 2nd Quarter: 8.0
  • 3rd Quarter: 3.3
  • 4th Quarter: 9.3
  • Total: 27.4 points per game

Red River’s offense has been far more explosive this season, averaging over 27 points per game. Meanwhile, Winnfield has struggled to put up consistent numbers, averaging only 17.6 points per game. This stark difference in scoring production gives Red River a significant edge heading into the game.

Team Stat Comparison:

• Winnfield:
  • Rushing Yards per Game: 163.2
  • Passing Yards per Game: 51.3
  • Total Yards per Game: 214.5
  • Tackles per Game: 56.5
  • Sacks per Game: 0.7
• Red River:
  • Rushing Yards per Game: 32.7
  • Passing Yards per Game: 17.8
  • Total Yards per Game: 50.5
  • Tackles per Game: 18.0
  • Sacks per Game: 0.2

While Winnfield has a notable advantage in rushing yards, Red River excels in scoring, averaging far more total yards per game. The Bulldogs’ defense has also been much tougher, allowing far fewer points.

Key Players to Watch:

• Winnfield:
  • Jaylon Jackson: The Tigers’ top rusher and all-around offensive threat, with 109.5 rushing yards per game and 130.5 total yards per game.
  • Zaelyn Thomas: A standout defender with 9.8 tackles per game.
• Red River:
  • Montreveun Smith: A key contributor for the Bulldogs, leading the team with 56.3 rushing yards per game and 81.0 total yards per game.
  • Jacob Kellogg: A defensive leader, averaging 11.7 tackles per game, crucial for limiting Winnfield’s offensive opportunities.

Common Opponents:

Both teams faced several common opponents this season, but their records against them differ greatly:

• Winnfield: 1-2 record against common opponents
• Red River: 3-0 record against common opponents

Red River has proven to be a dominant force, particularly against teams like Many, Mansfield, and Lakeside, which have also been on Winnfield’s schedule.

Conclusion:

As the two teams prepare for today’s playoff matchup, Red River holds a clear advantage in most statistical categories. Their offense has been more efficient, and their defense is significantly stronger. Winnfield will need a flawless game to overcome their previous loss and upset Red River. The key to success for the Tigers will be a solid defensive effort and a much-improved offensive performance, particularly in the first half, to avoid falling behind early.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. tonight at Red River’s home stadium in Coushatta, LA.