BUDE – Franklin County head coach Brent Calcote knew his team needed some momentum before heading into the playoffs and a three-game losing streak wasn’t it. The Bulldogs broke that streak with a 7-2 win Tuesday night over rival Prentiss in a make-up game from March 18.

FCHS will receive a bye into the second round of the Class 3A State Playoffs before playing host to the McLaurin/Philadelphia winner next Thursday, May 2, at 6 p.m. in Bude to begin a second round playoff series.

“We needed this win before going into the playoffs,” said Calcote, who is assisted by Vance Windom and Braxton Whitehead on the Bulldog coaching staff.

Sophomore Ethan Verdin struck out 11 in a closer than expected ballgame. FC and Prentiss entered the third inning deadlocked at 2-all before a five-run fourth put FCHS ahead in a battle of Bulldogs.

Prentiss pitcher Richard Scott absorbed the loss, despite striking out seven and walking four.

FC sophomore centerfielder Bernard Selmon led all hitters with a double. Juniors Derrick Brumfield and Hoby Mullins added a single and a stolen base. Sophomores Jordan Clark and Graham Cowart each had RBI singles.

The FC Bulldogs end the regular season 13-9 overall and Region 7-3A champions. Hazlehurst finished second in the region, followed by Prentiss. All three teams made the 3A playoffs.