Franklin Co. Bulldogs bash Wilkinson
Published 6:00 am Monday, November 1, 2004
MEADVILLE — The Franklin County Bulldogs ended the 2004 regularseason with a bang Friday night at Louie Mullins Memorial Stadiumwith an impressive 35-14 drubbing of the Wilkinson County Wildcats.The Bulldogs host Region 8-3A representative Columbia this Fridaynight, beginning at 7 in the first round of the Class 3A stateplayoffs.
“We’re glad were in,” said Bulldog head coach Anthony Hart aboutthe playoffs. “We’ve got some areas we need to fix this week beforethat. Overall, we’re happy to be playing and to get the win overWilkinson as well.”
Hart watched his Region 7-3A runners-up Bulldogs (9-1, 5-1)blitz Wilkinson County with an overpowering performance of speedand aggression. The Bulldogs held Wilkinson to 63 yards of totalground work.
“At times on defense we did some good things, and at times wedidn’t,” added Hart. “Offensively we dominated, once we got toclicking.”
Franklin got off to a blazing start with a 69-yard hook up fromBulldog senior quarterback Jasper O’Quinn to senior wide outJonathan Brooks. After sophomore Dane Hodges added the PAT,Franklin led 7-0.
Nearly eight minutes from completing their first big play, theBulldogs hit the end zone again from 37-yards out on a spectacularrun from senior running back Deandrea Cameron. Two minutes laterO’Quinn would find Brooks alone on the sidelines again from 32yards out. The Bulldogs led 21-0.
Wilkinson (6-4, 2-4) got their first score of the night, at the5:15 mark of the second frame off a one-yard sneak from Wildcatssenior quarterback Corey Dunbar. Wilkinson’s two-point conversionpass was intercepted by Bulldog senior defensive back BrandonGoldsmith.
The Bulldogs added their final score of the first half, off adazzling 26-yard sprint from Cameron. After Hodges added the PAT.The Bulldogs took a 35-6 lead into halftime.
After the 10-minute intermission break, the Bulldogs got backinto the scoring act with a four-yard plunge from sophomorefullback Gary Rogers. Franklin’s lead increased to 35-6.
Wilkinson added their last score of the night as time expired onthe game clock with a deep 43-yard pass from Dunbar to seniorspeedster Chris Russ. Dunbar added the two-point conversion run forthe final tally.
Offensively, Dunbar led the Wildcats offense with 35 yardsrushing on 10 carries. Dunbar was 17-of-31 through the air with 215yards.
For the Bulldogs, Cameron carried the ball 11 times for 102yards and two touchdowns. He also eclipsed 1000-yard mark for theyear, with a 1,018 yards total this season.
O’Quinn added nine rushing attempts for 54 yards, while juniorfullback D.J. Shaw finished with 26 yards on eight attempts. JuniorJonte’ Marshall added five yards on three carries.
In the air, O’Quinn was 4-of-6 for 117 yards and two touchdowns.Brooks caught both scores for a total of 101 yards.
Defensively, the Dawgs were led by Rogers witheight tackles and two quarterback hurries. Andrew Smith and MarvinBridges added seven hits apiece. Junior Casey Hammack issued sixhits and a deflection. Nose guard Reggie Tenner added five stopsand recovered a fumble, while Tillman brothers Bo and Marcus eachmade two sacks apiece.