Panthers Unfriendly Against Commanders
by Wes Sparkmon
Franklin Road Academy would take their high-powered rushing attack and perfect record west to Wilson County to face Friendship Christian’s stout defense. After a slow start, the Panthers would pull away from the Commanders in the second half, defeating FCS 35-7.
Jones’ Passing Opens Up Panthers Rushing Attack
Through the first quarter, the Panthers would be held scoreless for the first time this season. In the second quarter, Thomas Fortune Jr. would put FRA on the board with a 1-yard run. Friendship were able to drive the ball to the FRA 5 yard line, but the Panthers held. As the teams headed to the locker rooms, FRA held a 7-0 lead.
As the second half opened, FRA’s offense would open up and score on their first drive. Sam Harvin would finish the drive with 2 runs for 30 yards and a touchdown. On the ensuing the kickoff, Friendship would return the ball into FRA territory. However, the Commanders would fumble the ball and Adrian Roper would return the ball 58 yards for an FRA touchdown, giving the Panthers the 21-0 lead at the end of the 3rd quarter.
In the 4th quarter, Larry Wilhoite would take over for the Panthers. Wilhoite would finish FRA’s first drive of the quarter with a 2-yard run. On the Panthers next drive, Spence Jones completed a 57-yard touchdown pass to Wilhoite to give FRA a 35-0 lead. Friendship would score a touchdown with 18 second left, setting the final score at 35-7.
FRA is only the second team to score more than 16 points on Friendship Christian. Spence Jones would go 8-9 passing with 100 yards and a touchdown. Fortune and Harvin would lead the Panthers rushing with 43 yards a piece. Wilhoite would tally 42 yards, while Jones would finish with 40 yards on the ground.
Next week, FRA returns to The Hill for their homecoming matchup against Ezell-Harding. EHCS comes into the game at 3-3, after losing to Mt. Juliet Christian Academy on Friday.
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