BY FRANK A. DAVIS/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
frankdavis928@verizon.net

FRANKLIN—Fired-up Franklin on Friday night won the opening round of the Eastern Sectional Division 1 playoffs 56-9 against Craig County at Armory Field.

The win qualifies the Broncos for the next round of playoffs against Covington next Friday or Saturday.

“It’s one week at a time,” said Franklin High School Head Coach Darren Parker.

On the first play from scrimmage by the Rockets, Franklin’s Laquadric Pittman picked off a Rocket pass and took it in on a 25-yard touchdown run. Angel Padilla’s kick put the Broncos ahead 7-0.

After stopping the Rockets on their next possession, the Bronco offense on its first possession scored on a 3-yard run by Terry Warren. The Padilla kick advanced the score to 14-0.

The Rockets showed some offensive power on their next drive as they advanced the pigskin to the Bronco 21-yard line. Faced with fourth and long, the Rockets’ Jefferson Lee booted a 33-yard field goal to put the visitors on the scoreboard 14-3 with 2:57 remaining in the first quarter.

Marcus Stephens answered back for the Broncos as he broke free on an end run and went untouched for a 77-yard touchdown run. The Padilla kick pushed the home team to 21-3.

Three touchdowns were added by the Broncos in the second quarter. Travis Brown scored on a 1-yard run; Latrell Lane crossed the goal on a 30-yard run, while Corey Porter caught a 30-yard pass from Pittman for one more. Padilla connected on the kick twice as Lane added to his own touchdown run by scoring a two-point conversion.

The Broncos kept the edge on the Rockets and held on to a 42-3 halftime lead.

The Broncos substituted fresh players in the third quarter. Allison Cromwell scored on a 55-yard run after having two long runs called back for penalties. Padilla added the kick and the score was 49-3.

Javonte Baker added the final points for the Broncos in the fourth quarter on a 4-yard run. Padilla added his final boot to make it 56-3.

The last score of the game was by the Rockets as quarterback Cody Dunbar hooked up with Matt Bryant for a one-yard touchdown. The Broncos blocked the Jefferson Lee kick.

The Broncos rushed for a total of 252 yards with Marcus Stephens leading in rushing with 91 yards and Allison Cromwell with 55 yards.

Shane Walker led the Broncos in tackles with six, followed by Xavier Freeman with five tackles.