McComb head football coach Randy Martin received an extra look at Franklin County after rain and lightning postponed the Bulldogs’ opener last weekend.
It only helped to give him an answer to the only question he had about Franklin County.
“The question mark was the offensive line,” Martin said. “It’s not a question anymore. They have another good line.”
The defending 3A state champions blanked Hazlehurst 29-0 in a game that was called because of lightning in the fourth quarter.
McComb beat Pike County rival South Pike 6-0 in its opener.
The two teams will face off at 7 Friday night in Meadville for an early-season barometer of two teams that should be in the playoff mix come November.
The Tigers won their turnover-ridden game with South Pike last week but will have to shore up their handling of the ball against a well-balanced Bulldog team.
“We can’t play like that unless they give it back to us,” Martin said. “I think it was just the emotional part of playing South Pike. Some of them were forced, some of them were unforced and some kids were just trying to make a play.”
Franklin County will be ready to cash in anything the Tigers give them. The Bulldogs last week scored on a safety to go along with their four rushing touchdowns.
The Bulldogs also completed 7-of-12 passes from returning quarterback Jamie Collins, which was one more pass than McComb and South Pike threw combined.
The fact that Franklin County has big game experience as well as talent all around the field makes McComb’s job that much tougher.
“They’ve got a lot of factors to overcome,” Martin said. “They have a lot of athletes. They’re experienced and have a rich tradition.
“They’re a well-rounded team.”
To counteract their strengths, McComb will need to add to what they showed against South Pike.
“We need to cut down on our mistakes and stay within what we’re doing,” Martin said.
Friday night will show what both sides have, but is more of a preparation for the district schedule and the playoffs after that.
With that in mind, Martin only has one thing on his mind.
“I’m just hoping we can grow up a little bit,” he said.
