The DeRidder Dragons will venture away from home to face off against the North DeSoto Griffins at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty point totals in their previous games.
DeRidder is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Friday. They strolled past Eunice with points to spare, taking the game 35-16. The win continues a trend for the Dragons in their matchups with the Bobcats: they've now won three in a row.
Javaughn Fairley continued his habit of posting crazy stat lines, rushing for 121 yards and three TDs on only five carries.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: DeRidder was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 335 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've posted since back in November of 2024.
| 11/14/25 vs Eunice | 3 |
| 11/06/25 @ Iowa | 1 |
| 10/31/25 vs Washington-Marion | 1 |
DeRidder didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Alion Roberson and Kamdyn Johnson. Johnson is also on a roll when it comes to defended passes, as he's now defended at least one in each of the last three games he's played. DeRidder got some further help from Grant Cooper: he picked up a sack and made nine total tackles.
Meanwhile, everything came up roses for North DeSoto against Bossier two weeks ago as the squad secured a 56-3 victory. The Griffins might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won eight matchups by 26 points or more this season.
DeRidder better keep an eye on Kenny Thomas. He was instrumental in North DeSoto's win, rushing for 121 yards and three touchdowns on only six carries.
Special teams played a big role in the game for North DeSoto, adding 14 points to the final score. The biggest highlight from special teams (and perhaps the team as a whole) came courtesy of Thomas, who ran a kickoff back for a touchdown.
North DeSoto's record is now 10-0. As for DeRidder, they now have a winning record of 6-5.
Friday's contest might be decided on the ground. DeRidder has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 216.8 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like North DeSoto struggles in that department as they've been averaging 267.7 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's game turns into a tough fight on the ground.
DeRidder was taken down by North DeSoto 63-21 in their previous matchup back in November of 2023. Can the Dragons avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
