By: David Wells
There isn’t much more than pride at stake for Franklin and Summit when they face off Thursday night.
With Franklin off to a 5-0 start and Summit currently in the bottom of the District 11-AAA standings, it’s not exactly a marquee matchup; it will decide not the race for the District title, set back Franklin’s playoff hopes or put Summit back into playoff contention.
But pride can be quite a motivational factor, and both teams have plenty of pride on the line.
Franklin comes into the game high off their 24-21 victory over Brentwood on Friday, its first win over the Bruins since 2008. The Rebels are also enjoying a 6-0 start that has put them atop the District standings.
Meanwhile, Summit has dropped six straight since its season-opening win over Spring Hill, and it is still reeling from the news that founding head coach Scot Keasler will resign at the end of the season.
For Franklin, a loss to the 1-6 Spartans would taint a surprisingly successful season; for Summit, a win against the undefeated Rebels would be a welcome gift in a season of adversity.
If Summit has any shot against Franklin, it is in the legs of running back Dee Hunter. Hunter has been Summit’s go-to man on offense with his 155 carries for 980 yards.
No one else on the Spartan roster has come close to his statistics.
But Hunter has not been a reliable passer, and neither has quarterback J.C. Dryden. The two have failed to complete a touchdown pass, while they have a combined 10 interceptions.
No one on the Rebels’ roster has comparable rushing numbers to Hunter; however, Franklin hasn’t needed such production.
Quarterback Joe Critchlow has thrived, completing 68 of 109 passes for 981 yards, 13 touchdowns and only three interceptions.
Meanwhile, the Rebels have pounded their opponents in the rushing game with its 1-2 threat of Colton Black and Malik Gimes. Black has 535 yards on 87 attempts, while Grime has rushed 50 times for 332 times.
Thursday night’s game kicks off at 7 p.m.
