Van-Far and Louisiana are in different positions this season.

The Indians are 0-3 after losing 43-6 to Louisiana on Friday at home while the Bulldogs are 3-0 after going into the third Friday with a winless record 12 out of the last 14 years. Van-Far had beaten Louisiana each of the last three years.

Head coach Lucas Gibson said Louisiana has double-digit upperclassmen and more kids overall on its sideline to play for former assistant Steve Gschwender. Van-Far has a younger team with only five seniors being honored on Senior Night Friday.

“Louisiana’s got some talent this year. That’s for sure,” Gibson said. “Some of those kids have been starting, kind of like the situation we had last year, and this is their third year.”

Gibson said Van-Far played harder in the first half this week, which helped the Indians stop Louisiana at the goal line just before halftime. Cayden Douglas scored again for Van-Far with a rushing touchdown, finishing with 154 yards on 26 carries, and led the defense with 8.5 tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. As has been the case, more progress must be made.

“We didn’t turn the ball over as much as at Russellville,” Gibson said. “Experience is starting to help.”

Gibson said there have been speed bumps as well, mentioning Van-Far lost its center and a defensive end to injury in the first week. Van-Far also welcomed back senior Kashton Rhodes after dealing with a medical issue. Rhodes had 4.5 tackles and a tackle for loss.

There was some stability on the offensive line with senior Chase McAfee slotting in at center. Gibson said Van-Far has been trying to find the right combination of players.

Van-Far is motivated to get its first win at 7 p.m. Friday as it defends the Farmers Cup at Mark Twain (1-2).

“It will be another physical game for sure,” Gibson said. “We’re looking forward to it.”