The Franklin County Middle School Cubs football team has faced two of its biggest rivals thus far this season and has posted a 2-0 record.
A third rival will travel to Jeff Davis Field at Ed Bryant Stadium today, as FCMS will host Hart County at 5:30 p.m.
“I have been very pleased with how we have started the season,” Coach Chuck Holland said. “We lost almost all of the starters from last year's team, so I am extremely proud of how these young men have matured and stepped up. It's never easy starting the season against two good football teams, who are also two of our biggest rivals, but our players have worked hard on the practice field, came ready to play and have played hard and executed pretty dang good.”
Franklin defeated Stephens County 32-8 to open the season Aug. 18.
It was the second year in a row FCMS defeated the Stephens Rebels. The last time that happened was in 2015-16.
The Cubs got touchdowns from Carson Cheek and Gavin Wells and two-point conversions from Wells, Cheek and Elliott Harbin in the contest.
Wells finished with 101 yards rushing on eight carries, while Cheek had 96 yards on eight carries.
Harbin finished with 73 yards of total offense, rushing and passing.
Kendaus Burtch caught two passes for 29 yards.
Myles Kelley led the Cub defense with six tackles, including two-and-a-half for losses, while Burtch and Josh Baughcum added four tackles apiece.
On Aug. 24, Franklin avenged their loss in last year’s region championship game with a 20-14 win over Madison County in Danielsville.
It was Franklin’s first win over Madison since 2016.
Cheek and Harbin each had rushing touchdowns, with Harbin adding a two-point conversion.
Harbin threw a 57-yard scoring pass to Jett Whitworth for Franklin’s other score.
Cheek finished with 67 yards rushing and also caught four passes for 43 yards.
Harbin had 142 yards passing, completing eight of nine passes to Whitworth, Cheek, Wells, Burtch and Kelley.
Baughcum and Zeryk Mizway each had five tackles, with Baughcum having one-and-a-half tackles for loss and Mizway one sack.
Kain Roach had three tackles, one tackle for loss and one forced fumble.
“Our starting defense has played great so far. They've only given up one touchdown on the year,” Holland said. “Our o-line has done well blocking, and our quarterback, running backs and receivers have made some big plays for us in the running and passing game. Now, we just have to continue to work hard to get better and build on the way we've started the season.”
Holland said he’s blessed to have a coaching staff that includes Zach Marinell (offensive line), Matt Ward (defensive line and defensive coordinator), Kendrick Teasley (defensive backs), Bob Whitworth (receivers) and Moriea McGlockling (running backs).
“I know they are going to continue to push and challenge our young men to be the best they can be on and off the football field,” Holland said. “We have a big time game coming up [today] against Hart County. They're of course our big rival, and they are also undefeated and have a heck of a ball team. Fortunately we get to play them at home, and we're hoping for a big time crowd of Franklin County fans and supporters to show up and cheer these young men on!”