Photo: Franklin High School Quarterback Club
By Zachary Harmuth
Hopefully Franklin (7-1, 3-1), after losing its first game of the season and first place in AAA District 11 last week, does not have a hangover going into another big district game this Friday on the road at Independence (5-3, 3-1).
The two teams each owe their only district loss this year to Ravenwood; Independence fell to RHS 30-14 back on September 20; Franklin 24-23 just last week.
Looking at the numbers, Franklin averages about four fewer points per game this year than Independence, but on defense the Rebels allow eight points less per game than the Eagles.
After losing last week, at home and in overtime, no less, it is a good and bad thing how Franklin responds to a tough loss is an unknown this late in the season. Good because it was their first loss; bad because the team has not until now had to deal with the emotional impact of losing and how they will respond is an unknown.
Independence is tough, and hot on a two game winning streak, and explosive on offense. The Eagles are averaging more than 250 yards passing, and almost 400 yards of total offense, over the past two weeks.
Franklin is averaging 182 yards passing and 176 yards rushing per game this year, and so is a bit more balanced on offense. The Rebels will want to do everything they can to keep the ball out of the Eagles’ hands. Fortunately Franklin’s offense can easily be geared toward controlling the clock.
Leading rusher Colton Black (averaging 5.72 yards per carry) and second leading rusher Malik Grimes (averaging 7.25 yards per carry) are more than capable of eating up five yards at a time down after down.
The running game will set things up for Joe Critchlow, who is having a very efficient year throwing four and a half touchdowns for every interception. His favorite targets have Ben Hagaman and Tony Flemister, who both have at least 19 catches and more than 300 yards on the season.
