FRANKLIN
Marred by penalties and held scoreless for three quarters, Franklin charged back late to defeat Sussex Central, 20-12, on Friday night. Running back Quayshawn Jefferson helped the Broncos erase the 12-point deficit with one- and two-yard touchdown runs early on in the fourth quarter, and later sealed the win over the Tigers with a 19-yard scramble.

“It was a big win for us,” said Franklin head coach Darren Parker. “Sussex is a big rivalry game for us; it always has been. It was a physical game and both teams played well. We were just able to get three touchdowns late to win the game.”

Sussex halfback AnTae Motton led all rushers with 167 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries. The Franklin rushing attack of Jefferson and JaVonte Baker that had the upper hand, though, combining for 284 yards and three touchdowns.

“Our boys are resilient,” Parker said. “Penalties hurt us early, but we went back to doing the things we do. We settled down and were patient. It’s always a war when we play Sussex, and you can throw the records out the window. We just started executing more.”

Franklin was penalized 16 times for 115 yards, something Parker said needs to change before Greensville comes to Armory Field on Friday night.

“In the last two games, we’ve gotten more penalties than in the previous games combined.” Parker said. “It’s something we’re addressing because penalties are big, especially in close games.”

Greensville is looking for the Western Tidewater sweep after defeating Southampton and Windsor earlier this season.

“They’re very athletic, and have a fast-paced offense,” Parker said. “We just have to be aggressive and be disciplined. They have some threats on the offensive side of the ball, but we just have to make sure we execute in all four phases of the game: offense, defense, special teams and coaching.”