From a spectator’s view the level of destruction that hitWilliam E. “Sambo” Smith Friday night, was most notably compared toa Category Five hurricane. Like a fierce storm, the Franklin CountyBulldogs made a direct hit on the Loyd Star Hornets with a 58-0landfall that provided the hosts their worst loss ever.

Franklin County held the Hornets to 10 yards of total offensewith just one first down as they avenged last year’s overtime lossat Meadville. The Bulldogs had 364 yards of total offense, with allof it coming on the ground.

“We played really well tonight,” said Franklin County head coachAnthony Hart. “Deandrea (Cameron) had a good night, our offense hada good night, and our defense had a good night. Overall it was ateam effort on every side of the ball.”

The effort the Bulldogs produced was one of epic proportions.Franklin scored at will against the Hornets (2-1) a majority of thenight with seven touchdown runs on offense, and a safety andinterception return for a score on defense.

“We made plays tonight,” added a modest Hart. “We playedtough.”

In the first quarter, the Dawgs (3-0) began to flex their Class3A muscles with three straight scoring runs from Cameron of 47, 41,and 19 yards. After a Jake Buckels safety tackle of Loyd Starrunning back Juron Collins in the second quarter, Cameron added hislast jaunt of the night at the 7:03 mark of the second frame withan electrifying 25-yard run.

Bulldog senior quarterback Jasper O’Quinn capped things off inthe first half with a six-yard scoring jog from his quarterbackposition. Sophomore fullback Gary Rogers added a 28-yard touchdownrun in the final seconds for a 44-0 Bulldog lead heading intohalftime. Rogers bowled over seven Loyd Star defenders en route tothe end zone.

“We played well, but we can’t get overconfident,” added Hart.”We’ve still got to take it one game at a time. We’ve got Wesson onthe road next week.”

In the second half, Franklin sent their talented and youngreserves in for a piece of the action. The Bulldogs scored twicewith their subs, as back-up junior quarterback Jonte’ Marshallscored from 15-yards out on a QB-keeper and Bulldog sophomoredefensive back Charles Felton on a 33-yard interception return.

Defense played a key role in the Bulldogs success in thecontest. Franklin used an assortment of jaw-breaking hits to sendthe hosts a message. Talented Bulldog freshman Bo Tillman, a6-foot-6, 310-pound man-child, led the Bulldogs with eight tacklesand two pass deflections. Juniors Casey Hammack and Marcus Tillmaneach added seven stops. Senior Alex Green and sophomore Thomas Lanecollected fumble recoveries, while junior defensive back SedetricChambliss added three stops and an interception.

For the Hornets, junior linebacker Michael Britt led the teamwith eight tackles and a sack. Sophomore Gary Johnson issued sixhits.

Offensively, the Hornets’ only positive yards came from seniorquarterback Justin Whatley of 10 yards on three carries.

For the Bulldogs, Cameron led all rushers with 161 yards andfour touchdowns on nine carries. O’Quinn added 10 carries for 101yards and Rogers four carries for 41 yards. Sophomore PrestonGriffin added four carries for 31 yards, while freshmen MichaelJenkins rushed for 11 yards on two sprints.