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By Titus Mohler and Frank A. Davis

Franklin High School’s varsity football team has opened the 2023 season with a win and two losses, the victory coming on the road against Colonial Beach High School.

After being shut out in their Aug. 31 season opener against visiting Amelia County High School, the Broncos recovered to defeat the Drifters 29-8 on the road Sept. 8.

Franklin Head Coach Lamont Hill noted that there were a variety of standouts in the win, including junior Altavis Turner, who went 7-for-13 passing for 273 yards and four touchdowns, to go along with 22 rushing yards.

Senior Kaden Bailey finished with four receptions for 157 yards and two scores, junior Travis Mabry Jr. had two receptions for 108 yards and one score, and senior Chaevon Torrance had two catches for 16 yards and a touchdown.

In the Broncos’ season opener, things did not look good for them as they dropped the game 18-0 against the visiting Amelia County Raiders. Playing at Armory Field on Thursday, Aug. 31, Franklin could not crank up its offense to score. The Broncos’ best opportunity came early in the fourth quarter after Turner connected on a pass to freshman Mykel Jordan-Williams to move the ball deep in Raider territory. But the drive was stopped by the Raider defense. 

Despite the loss, Hill had much praise for his coaching staff and the young players on the team. He stated that they just could not execute in the opener. He added that they had lost to a very good team.

“Sometimes you need humble pie to bring things to reality,” he stated. He added that the Broncos would continue to practice and go back to the drawing board. 

Franklin followed this game up with the win over Colonial Beach.

The Broncos returned home Friday, Sept. 15, to face Essex High School, a team they struggled against last season when they lost 52-14 on the road. The contest was similarly difficult this year, with Franklin falling 51-6.

The home team’s only points came in impressive fashion, though, as Torrance caught an 80-yard touchdown pass from Turner.

In the first of three consecutive road games, the Broncos (1-2) will look to get back to .500 when they visit Tri-Rivers District foe Windsor High School (2-2) on Friday, Sept. 22. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.