Franklin's Javontae Baker busts through for a 17-yard pick up.
SUSSEX- When engaged in a battle versus a tough foe that has the potential to defeat you when the chance arises you must finish him. Allowing them to linger around could lead to an outcome that isn’t what many would envision as an ending result. Sussex Central didn’t capitalize on opportunities that could have put them in a much more favorable position as Franklin found hope in the mist of the densest fog.
Sussex Central struck first as An’Tae Motton broke out for a 43-yard touchdown run despite the Broncos having crowding the box with 10 defenders. Motton was able to break a tackle attempt and out run the defense on his way to six.
Penalties played a big part of the first half and throughout the game. Both teams had promising moments derailed by penalties. The game featured 31 flags in the contest by both teams (16-Franklin, 15-Sussex Central). The teams would go into halftime with Sussex Central being up 6-0.
In the second half, Sussex Central would respond quickly to set the tone. Motton would break loose once again. This time from 47-yards out giving the Tigers a 12-0 lead as they would once again fail at the two-point conversion.
Despite the fans request to get things going in the third quarter, Franklin’s offense continued to sputter at key moments. The Bronco faithful out numbered the Tiger crowd and would make it a home away from home with would play a key part later.
The Tigers would try to open thing up a bit as quarterback Malik Delk would hit receiver Clyde Edmonds on a quick pass in which he would race toward the endzone. The play of the game was the effort that Javontae Baker would make a heel diving tackle that would have Edmonds come up just short preventing an 18-0 lead. Operating out the shotgun from the 4-yard line, a handoff exchange between Delk and Motton will go array and Franklin would recover.
Franklin would feed the horses of Quayshaun Jefferson, Darrien Duck, and Baker to get them down the field. The long drive would end with a 3-yard run by Duck to cut the Sussex Central advantage in half.
Darrien Duck gets a big pick up on a surprising qb sneak for the Broncos.
The Broncos defense will rise to the occasion as they would apply pressure and record their 5th and 6th sack to get the ball back. Jefferson would hit the edge to get big yardage. Soon Franklin would find themselves at one and Duck would power his way in from 1 to tie things up. On the big conversion Sussex defense would pound the fullback Jack Sykes but Duck would stroll in to give Franklin a 14-12 lead with only 3:04 to play.
The Tigers would have a shot at a game winning drive but would turn the ball over on a hard hit that popped the ball up in the air in which the Broncos would recover. Then after that with their spirits low, Franklin would let Jefferson take a toss on the left sideline into the endzone to make it 20-12. Franklin would miss the conversion as Sussex Central would still have a shot with only 1:09 left to play.
Jack Sykes powers through for first down yards on a key drive to add the last touchdown.
The Tigers would pick up positive yards and stopped the clock. However, the next play Delk would have his pass intercepted by Jefferson to end the threat of the game getting interesting.
Sussex Central’s 5 game winning streak ends as they fall to 5-2 on the season. They will now face Brunswick.
Franklin now controls the own destiny to receive a bye in the playoffs and will win the Tri-Rivers district title if Sussex Central is able to win in Lawrenceville. Franklin improves to 5-1.
Quayshaun Jefferson gets a good block from Natrone Lee to pick up big yards for Franklin.
FRANKLIN 0 0 0 20 - 20
SUSSEX 6 0 6 0 - 12
SC- Motton 43 yard run (run failed)
SC- Motton 47 yard run (run failed)
F- Duck 3 yard run (run failed)
F- Duck 1 yard run (Duck run)
F- Jefferson 19 yard run (run failed)
KING WILLIAM 48 MATHEWS 12
The Cavaliers would break open a close game when Tresean Mickens would return an interception 81-yards to get King William a 27-12 lead at the half. From that point on it would be all Cavaliers as Alex Carter and the defense would shut down any potential Blue Devil scoring opportunity. Ryan Huffman threw and caught a touchdown in this one as he passed 142 yards while Lafayette Pendleton led the team in rushing with 101.
ESSEX 41 COLONIAL BEACH 0
Rasaun Monroe went 7 of 8 passing for 139 yards and 3 touchdowns while filling in at quarterback. Region A’s leading Malik Martin rushed for 177 yards off 16 carries and 3 touchdowns. Martin now has 1,137 yards rushing on the season. Kevin Dameron would add 117 yards rushing as the team totaled 361 yards rushing on the night. Essex will face Lancaster next Friday.
GREENSVILLE CO. 46 WINDSOR 14
The Eagles broke open a 24-6 halftime lead into a rout as Naquan Jordan scored 3 rushing touchdowns on the night. Wide receivers Jordan Peebles and Tyquan Jones also made touchdown grabs from quarterback Daimond Turner. Greensville now improves to 4-3 and now will travel to Franklin as they try to lock in their spot in the post season.
MIDDLESEX 53 CHARLES CITY 18
The Chargers may have ended the Panthers hope of turning things around as Marquez Holmes rushed for 136 yards, 2 rushing touchdowns, and he also added a pick six on the night as Middlesex looks destined for the post season. Charles City’s second half woes continued as they were outscored 27-6 throughout the 3rd and 4th quarters. Mason Jefferson threw for 205 yards and rushed for 107 on the night but 3 interceptions dampened his effort. Middlesex will now travel to face King William with a shot for the Tidewater district title.
Sussex Central wasn't the only team that got shocked in the Tri-Rivers last night. Check out the scores!
OTHER REGION A SCORES
Arcadia 43 Washington (MD) 6
Chincoteague 34 Northampton 28
Park View 14 Brunswick 8
Rappahannock 39 Lancaster 12
Surry 39 Southampton 0
Washington & Lee 35 Northumberland 14