When the Franklin County Bulldogs needed a spark, Gerryion Bell provided it with a “Kick 6” Thursday night in the first round of the MHSAA Class 3A State Playoffs.
The Bulldogs won 38-10 at home over St. Andrews Episcopal School to advance.
Bell’s big play as the first quarter came to a close was the momentum turner as he collected a failed field goal attempt by Saints kicker Matt Harjes and returned it 99 yards for a touchdown.
Franklin County trailed early 3-0, before Bell’s play set off a scoring spree by the Bulldogs.
Senior running back Cortney Smith rumbled for a game high 182 yards rushing on 16 carries and scored two touchdowns from 2 and 4 yards out to pace the Franklin County offensive attack.
JaQuan Brown added a 62-yard touchdown scamper to aid the Bulldogs in the win. Franklin County junior De’Martre Collins also made some key plays for the team that kept St. Andrews off balance.
On defense, senior linebacker Chris O’Quinn continued his banner senior season with a team high 11 tackles. Senior Greg Queen added seven tackles, two pass break-ups, a sack, and a interception.
Deion Buckles provided the Bulldogs with a 55-yard interception return for a score. He also made six tackles.
Franklin County kicker Thomas Slagle connected on a 33 yard field goal, and was 5 for 5 on extra point attempts.
The Bulldogs will be on the road next week in the playoffs as they await the winner of Friday night’s Kemper County/Tylertown game.
Franklin County lost to Tylertown earlier this season 13-6.
