Football Game Preview: Mansfield Wolverines vs. Red River Bulldogs + How To Watch

Mansfield is preparing for their first district matchup of the season on Friday. They will challenge the Red River Bulldogs at 7:00 p.m. The two teams might be coming in a bit winded given these two teams combined for 1,027 yards in their previous games.

Mansfield's defense heads into the game hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Friday. They simply couldn't be stopped as they easily beat North Caddo 39-0. That looming 39-0 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Wolverines yet this season.

Terrell Pegues and Jaterrious Howard were among the main playmakers for Mansfield as the former rushed for 110 yards and three touchdowns on only 11 carries and the latter rushed for 141 yards on only 11 carries.

They were just one part of a punishing run game: Mansfield was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 385 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 159 rushing yards in four consecutive matchups.

Mansfield's defense stepped up as well, laying out Montae Miles three times. The team can thank three different players for their defensive prowess: Derrick Mitchell, Tramajah Carroll, and Levi Jackson, who each picked up one sack apiece.

Meanwhile, Red River and Pineville were almost perfectly matched up on Friday, but Red River suffered a 41-40 loss.

Mansfield will need to focus on slowing down Malique Smith, one of several Red River players who made an impact when they last played. He threw for 278 yards and a pair of TDs, and also rushed for 117 yards while picking up 7.3 yards per carry. Another player making a difference was Warren Bowman, who gained 204 total yards.

Red River's defeat dropped their record down to 2-4. As for Mansfield, they now have a winning record of 3-2.

Mansfield came up short against Red River when the teams last played back in October of 2024, falling 20-10. Can the Wolverines avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.