WESSON — For the Franklin County basketball teams, MullenGymnasium on the campus of Copiah-Lincoln Community College willserve as their new home away from home for seven remaining homegames this season.

Agreement was reached Monday, and the Bulldogs will begin playFriday, Jan 13, against Tylertown starting at 6 p.m. Gates willopen at 5.

“It’s been a real difficult season for our teams, with our gymnot being in a condition to play games at, said Franklin Countyathletic director Johnny Monroe. “Co-Lin has graciously allowed usto use their gym as a home site or neutral site for our remainingdistrict games.”

Franklin will play seven games at Mullen Gymnasium, which startsFriday against Tylertown. Other home dates at Co-Lin are Jan. 17,North Pike; Jan. 24, Wilkinson County; Jan. 27, South Pike; Jan 31,Columbia; Feb. 3, West Marion; and Feb. 10, with a non-districtgame against Jefferson County.

“I can speak for both our coaches (Chris Jordan and CharlesMoore) that they are tickled to death not to have to play these keydivision games at the opponents, site,” said Monroe.

Ravaged by recent Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the FranklinCounty gymnasium’s roof sprung leaks the weekend before the seasonwas to begin in mid November after heavy rains pounded it. Rainwater buckled the floor.

“It was an unfortunate situation,” continued Monroe.

Franklin County played all of it home games at the opponents’site before Christmas and continued that routine last week, untilthe agreement was reached with Co-Lin. All junior high games forthe Bulldogs will continue to be played at the opponent’s site.

“This was a move to benefit our teams and school,” said Monroe.”There also will be a change in admission. Five dollars will be theprice to get into the games up there. Gates will open at 5 o’clockon Friday games and 6:15 on Tuesday games there as well.”

The Franklin County boys (5-4) are the defending Class 3A SouthState Champions. They are coached by Chris Jordan.

The FCHS girls, coached by Charles Moore, are a perfect 9-0 thisseason. They won the Region 7-3A tournament last season and made itto the second round of the playoffs.

“I hope our fans and others will take this opportunity to seethe product our coaches have built this season, with these upcominggames,” added Monroe. “We’ve got two really good basketball teamshere, that are capable of making a run deep into the playoffs againthis season.”