FRANKLIN
Franklin running back Quayshawn Jefferson has been named the Western Tidewater Player of the Week after leading the Broncos to a 26-6 win over rival Southampton. The senior rushed for 131 yards and one touchdown, edging out his teammate Darrien Duck — 104 all-purpose yards and a score — for the honor.

“We told our offensive line that it starts and ends with them,” Franklin head coach Darren Parker said after the game, deflecting from citing one player as a reason for the win. “Everybody else feeds from them. We did a great job tonight. We got great push off of the line to create holes for the backs, and on defense we swarmed. We’re physical, and that’s what you have to be going into the playoffs.”

Jefferson was tough to take down all game, and a majority of his yards came after contact. He has seemingly been Parker’s go-to back for the length of the field, and his lack of scoring opportunities are the result of being relieved by backup running back JaVonte Baker inside the redzone.

Honorable mention for the Western Tidewater Player of the Week includes Duck and Southampton wide receiver Rakuan Briggs, who caught two passes for 97 yards and a touchdown.

Both Jefferson and Duck will have at least one more opportunity to capture the honor, as the Broncos will play a Virginia High School League playoff game at Armory Field next week.