COLONIAL BEACH
The Franklin Broncos scored on their first three possessions of Friday night’s game against Colonial Beach on their way to a 28-6 win over the Drifters. It sent a message that last season’s 54-24 defeat, the worst in coach Darren Parker’s 12-year coaching career, was a fluke.

“Losing last year at their place was motivation to do well,” Parker said. “We knew it was going to be a tough battle and we beat a good team.”

The Broncos relied heavily upon the three-headed hydra of running backs Javonte Baker and Quayshaun Jefferson and quarterback Darrien Duck throughout the game, rushing 48 times for 283 yards and four touchdowns. Duck accounted for three of the scores, with a 52-yard scamper as the highlight play.

“When everyone knows their role, great things will happen,” Parker said. “Just like the offensive line and the receivers, they have an assignment to do.”

Not all went according to plan, though, as the Broncos lost two fumbles and misfired on all four of their pass attempts.

“We cannot turn the ball over” Parker said. “It’s still early, and even though we’re 2-0, we have a lot to work on.”

The Drifters fought back in the third quarter when tight end Michael Mothershead returned the second-half kickoff to the 48-yard-line. A five-play, 52-yard drive capped off by an 8-yard run by halfback Lamar Lucas cut the lead to 21-6.

Colonial Beach then recovered an onside kick, but a three-and-out ended all hopes of a comeback.

“We played well, but we just want to make sure we’re getting better each week,” Parker said.

Franklin (2-1) return home on Friday to host Charles City. The Panthers (0-3) suffered a 64-32 blowout loss at the Broncos last season.

“They’re very athletic and they like to throw the ball,” Parker said of Charles City. “We’re very familiar with them because we’ve played them for the last four or five years. I’m sure they’ll come in confident and we have to make sure we execute.”