MEADVILLE – When the Franklin County Bulldogs needed a momentum boost, Gerryion Bell provided it with a “kick 6” Thursday night in the first round of the MHSAA Class 3A playoffs.

The Bulldogs won 38-10 over St. Andrews Episcopal School to advance.

Bell’s big play as the first quarter came to a close was the momentum turner as he caught a failed field goal attempt by Saints kicker Matt Harjes and returned it for a touchdown.

Franklin County trailed 3-0 early in the first quarter, before Bell’s crowd pleasing play set off a scoring spree by the Bulldogs.

Senior running back Cortney Smith rumbled for a game high 182 yards rushing on 16 carries and scored two touchdowns from two and four yards out to pace the Franklin County offensive attack.

JaQuan Brown added a 62-yard touchdown scamper to aid the Bulldogs in the win. FC junior De’Martre Collins also made some key plays for the team that kept St. Andrews off balance.

On defense, senior linebacker Chris O’Quinn continued his banner senior season with a team-high 11 tackles. Senior Greg Queen added seven tackles, two pass break-ups, a sack and an interception.

Deion Buckles provided the Bulldogs with a 55-yard interception return for a score. He also made six tackles.

FC kicker Thomas Slagle connected on a 33-yard field goal, and was 5-for-5 on extra point attempts.

The Bulldogs will be on the road next week in the playoffs as they await the winner of Friday night’s Kemper County/Tylertown game.

FC lost to Tylertown earlier this season 13-6.