By SAM McGAW
The Franklin Rebels proved Friday night just how dangerous they are when they fire on all cylinders.
With 502 yards of total offense and 102 yards allowed on defense, the Rebels exploded for a 28-6 victory at Overton.
It’s their second straight win and it puts them at 1-0 in Region 3-Class 6A.
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photos by Steve Wheeler
“Our goal this week was to get a good foot into region play,” Franklin head coach Donnie Webb said. “I’m really proud of our kids for that. I thought we played really hard from start to finish. It was a great offensive performance tonight.”
Quarterbacks Carter Hendry and Wes Patterson spearheaded Franklin’s attack.
Hendry recorded 110 passing yards, 92 rushing yards and three touchdowns (1 rush), while his counterpart added 110 passing yards, 63 rushing yards and one passing touchdown.
“We just followed the game plan,” Hendry said. “There are a lot of players that play both ways for Overton, and (Offensive coordinator Dan Winfree) wanted us to wear them out. We went into the hurry-up this week. We played fast; we had 42 plays in the first half.”
The Rebels were able to execute their strategy at will due to the play of their defense.
They forced six punts, three interceptions and four sacks. They allowed -1 rushing yard.
Cornerback Jared Howell had two picks, while defensive end Conner Palk registered a team-high nine tackles and one sack.
“I was proud of our kids tonight,” Webb said. “They did a good job adjusting on the sideline and we were able to make some changes. The main thing is, when they play hard, we always have a chance.”
Overton’s lone touchdown came on a 5-yard run by quarterback and Tennessee commit Theo Jackson to cut Franklin’s lead to 14-6 with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Hendry’s elusiveness in the ensuing drive, however, helped stifle any hopes of an Overton comeback.
Facing third-and-10 at his team’s 20-yard line, Hendry slipped away for a 60-yard run to breathe new life into the Rebels.
He knifed his way into the end zone a few plays later for a 17-yard touchdown and 21-6 lead.
“He is a little spark plug,” Webb stated.”He made a couple of big plays on what should’ve been busted plays.”
Hendry ignited the Rebels early with a 49-yard touchdown pass to Alex Gaca down the left sideline for a 7-0 lead three minutes into the second frame.
“He’s crazy fast, tall and has great hands,” Hendry said. “He’s exactly what you want in a receiver.”
Gaca closed with three catches for 78 yards.
Hendry extended the advantage to 14-0 just before halftime with a 17-yard touchdown strike over the middle to running back Mitch Rossi.
Rossi added a 5-yard touchdown catch from Patterson to cap off the scoring with just over nine minutes left in the contest.
He finished with a team-high 95 rushing yards and two catches for 22 yards.
Sam McGaw is sports editor of Home Page Media Group. Email him at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @SamMcGawSports.
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