Behind a dominating defense and a grind-it-out, methodical offense, the Franklin Wildcats remained unbeaten with a 40-0 win over Monroe on Friday night at Monroe Stadium.
Franklin (4-0) forced five turnovers and limited Monroe (1-3) to 75 yards of total offense in the Southwestern Buckeye League Southwestern Division opener for both teams.
Wildcats who were recipients of those five turnovers were: Brendon Sexton had a pair of interceptions, Nate Woods had a pick and Daniel Johnson and Oscar Romero recovered fumbles for the Wildcats. Johnson led FHS with 88 yards rushing on just four carries, most of it coming on a 72-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Chris Hymer added 62 yards on the ground and two scores, while Quenton Richards and Luke Kennard also scored rushing TDs and Eric Vanlandingham booted two field goals.
Franklin used a number of running backs all night long to keep fresh legs in their backfield.
The leading tacklers for the Hornets included; Jarron Teegarten 7, Alex Bake-5, Lamar Hodges 3 and Travis Rice 3.
Just when the Hornets appeared to catch a break, it was too good to be true. Trailing 10-0 in the second quarter, Monroe recovered a fumble deep in Franklin territory when the ball inadvertently hit a Wildcats player on a punt. But a penalty nullified the play and forced the Hornets and Max Agee to punt again.
Monroe entertains Valley View next Friday night for Homecoming 2011. The Monroe Athletic Booster Club is promoting next Friday as GOLD OUT vs Valley View. All Hornet fans are encouraged to wear GOLD to the game. GOLD OUT spirit packs ( T shirt and rally towel) can be purchased all this week from the Booster Club.
By: Tim Kellis
Photos by: Blue River Images
