WINDSOR
Running back Markeem Tyler rushed for 191 yards and one touchdown in Franklin’s 50-0 win over Windsor on Friday night to capture the Western Tidewater Player of the Week award.

The freshman running back made the most of his first-career start, leading the Broncos to their seventh win of the season.

“We played a lot of young guys, so they got a lot of experience on the field,” Franklin head coach Darren Parker said. “We’re planning for down the road. We don’t want to be a team with only two backs. We want to make sure we get as many people on the field [as we can].

“We know what the playoffs are all about, and our aim is to win a state championship. To win a state championship, you get guys ready. Once we get in deep in the playoffs and we need a guy, then he’s already used to the field.”

If not for five other running backs receiving carries and finishing off drive in the redzone, Tyler may have scored a couple more times. With rival Southampton coming to town this week, it’s unclear how many carries the back will have.

“This is one of those games where you throw records out the window, and the team that’s focused Monday through Thursday is the team that’s going to win Friday night,” Parker said. “You can’t just come out and flip a switch and be ready.”