With the smell of the state playoffs in the air, the FranklinCounty soccer girls clinched a playoff berth Friday evening with adominating 4-0 victory over the Loyd Star Lady Hornets.

In the boys’ game, the Hornets beat the Bulldogs 4-0 to move onestep closer to a playoff berth while eliminating the Bulldogs fromany postseason consideration.

Loyd Star plays at Wesson Friday. The winner of the boys’ contestwill clinch a playoff spot.

The Franklin County girls (15-5-1, 5-0) got another 3-goal hattrick by junior sensation Karlee Mullins highlighted another solidperformance by the Lady Bulldogs.

Sophomore Emily Smith also scored a goal while senior goalie HaleyNetherland kept the opposition honest to savor the shutoutwin.

“We are playing really well,” said FC Lady Bulldogs soccer coachBen Yarbrough. “Tonight our defense really stood out.”

Defensive pressure by Krislyn Kent, Taylor Moak, and Olivia Coxmade an impact on the Lady Hornets and head coach BoBo Douglas’offensive game plan. Netherland provided several saves, whileMullins and Smith took shots at the net.

It was a big victory by the Lady Bulldogs on a chilly night at theBrookhaven Hansel King Sports Complex.

“It was a team victory no doubt,” added Yarbrough. “Our girls arefocused on winning district and having an undefeated mark indivision play.”

Franklin High plays host to Natchez High Tuesday for Senior Night,before traveling to district rival Natchez Cathedral Friday for agame that will decide who wins the 1A/2A/3A district crown.

“Next Friday will be big,” echoed Mullins after the game. Thetalented junior leads Class 3A with 33 goals scored thisseason.

The Hornets (10-4, 2-3) kept taking shot after shot against theBulldogs, before finally scoring four goals themselves. Loyd Star’sChance Holden scored two goals, one off a penalty kick to lead thefeisty unit.

“We’ve been playing really good team soccer,” said Hornets headcoach Dale Brister. “Franklin County is a tough ball club, that’spretty young this year.”

The loss all but eliminated the Bulldogs from contending for apostseason playoff spot. Coached by Trey Woodham, who also servesas head Co-Lin boys’ soccer coach, the loss by the Bulldogs keptthe Hornets playoff chances alive.

Brandon Canny collected the shutout for the Hornets at goalkeeper,notching the victory in convincing fashion.