MEADVILLE — Benard Selmon ran for 185 yards and two touchdowns as the Franklin County Bulldogs’ winning streak improved to three games. The Bulldogs pulled out a 28-22 win over the South Pike Eagles Friday night at Louie Mullins Memorial Stadium.
The Bulldogs (3-2), winners of their last three games, overcame a power outage that moved kickoff back nearly an hour. South Pike players and coaches were on the bus and about to leave when power was restored at 7:45 p.m. Kickoff was at 8:15 p.m.
“The power outage really shook things up for both of us at the beginning,” said Bulldogs head coach Chris Calcote. “Once it got restored we had ourselves a ball game.”
Franklin County opened up the game with an 11-yard touchdown run by senior Chris Robinson.
The two-point conversion pass was added on a pass from DeMarrius Tyler to Chris Boss for a quick 8-0 lead.
South Pike answered in the second quarter with a 1-yard touchdown plunge by Jamey McCray to cut the deficit to 8-6.
Selmon, a junior running back, added a 2-yard touchdown run for 14-6 advantage with 3:46 remaining in the first half.
The Eagles tied the game seconds later with a 70-yard kickoff return from John Jones.
Darreal Cook caught the two-point conversion pass from QauVonte Adams. Both clubs entered intermission tied at 14.
In the second half, Selmon used his legs to score on a 17-yard run, giving the Bulldogs a 20-14 lead.
Again, South Pike answered his score with one of its own seconds later with a 72-yard run by Jaxavian Holmes.
McCray added the conversion run for a 22-20 Eagles lead.
Sensing the momentum swinging, the Bulldogs put together an 11-play, 75-yard scoring drive that delivered the knockout punch to South Pike.
Robinson hit senior teammate Darrin Wiley with a 14-yard touchdown. Robinson added the conversion run for the final margin.
South Pike had seven first downs in the contest, compared to 19 by the Bulldogs. The Eagles led with some big plays, while the Bulldogs used drives to mount their attack.
Selmon led all rushers with 185 yards rushing on 32 carries.
Leading the Eagles was Holmes, with 121 yards rushing on 10 carries.
On defense, DeAnthony King, Chris O’Quinn and Denzel Allen led the Bulldogs with six tackles apiece. Wiley added five hits and a sack.
Cook, who had seven tackles and a pass deflection, led the Eagles defensively.
Franklin County has a bye week next Friday, before opening up Region 7-3A play on the road at Wilkinson County on Oct. 4.
South Pike, 1-3, hosts Jewel Sumner of Kentwood, La., next Friday.
