SUSSEX—The Franklin Broncos were able to get their horses running in the second half to overtake the Sussex Central Tigers in a key Tri-Rivers district match-up on Friday night.

After a slow first half with the Broncos ahead 3-0, Franklin got into the end zone twice in the third quarter to take a 17-6 win at Sussex Central High School.

The first quarter ended with neither team being able to score. The Tigers (1-2 in the Tri-Rivers, 4-5 overall) fumbled and lost the ball twice in the first quarter but the Broncos (2-1, 7-2) were not able to capitalize on it. Late in the

second quarter the Broncos were advancing to the goal line following two pass completions by Donzell Shearin to Derrick Thompson.

The Broncos entered the red zone first and goal at the 1 yard line. After three attempts, the Tiger defense had pushed the Broncos back to the 5-yard line. James Jervey entered the game for the Broncos and kicked the ball through the uprights to give the Broncos a 3-0 led.

Starting the third quarter, the Tigers fumbled on their second play from scrimmage and the Broncos recovered. The Broncos now seemed fired up and quickly advanced the ball to the red zone and Antonio Smith carried it over from the 2-yard line. The Jervey kick was good and the Broncos led 10-0.

Fumbles seemed to be the word for the Tigers for this game as another fumble was picked up by the Broncos Travon Britt who advanced the ball about 45 yards deep in Tiger territory. With 2:54 remaining in the third quarter, Bronco Isaiah Hudson reached pay dirt on a 4 yard run. The Jervey kick put the Broncos ahead 17-0.

The Tigers not throwing in the towel kept their offensive drive alive late in the fourth quarter and scored with 3:33 remaining in the game. A two point’s conversion as well as an onside kick failed and the Broncos held on to take the win. Franklin Coach Darren Parker stated after the game that it was a very physical game with two very physical teams. Sussex out rushed the Broncos in net yards 213 to 147. The Tigers coughed up and lost 6 fumbles. Elliott Bottoms lead the rushing for the Broncos with 54 yards. For the defense, Antonio Smith and Travon Britt both had 7 tackles for the Broncos.

The Broncos will end the regular season next week with a trip to Windsor to take on the Dukes.

Franklin had 13 first downs and rushed for 147 net yards, while allowing 15 Sussex first downs and 213 rushing yards.