NATCHEZ – Give Ben Yarbrough and Amanda Upton credit, long hoursof work do pay off as coaches of the Franklin County girls’ soccerteam.

Yarbrough, a Southwest Mississippi doctor, and Upton, an FCHSJr. High teacher, helped coach the Franklin High Lady Bulldogs totheir best season in school history. Thursday night, they topped itoff with another classic win 2-1 over Natchez Cathedral.

In the boys’ game, the Green Wave shocked Franklin County 6-2off two late goals from John O’Beirne.

The Lady Bulldogs (16-5, 6-2) battled Cathedral to a scorelesstie in regulation, before finally scoring in overtime off a ReganScott penalty kick. Cathedral tied the game seconds later whenAmanda Jeansonne connected on a penalty kick as well, but the dramawas not over because FCHS standout Caroline Yarbrough (Class 3Ascoring leader) had one last chance to put the game out of reach ona penalty kick.

Caroline, coach Yarbrough’s daughter and the FC ladies careerscoring leader with nearly 90 goals, ended the game with a swiftnet clincher. It was Yarbrough’s 35th goal of the season and itgave the Lady Bulldogs a historic 16 wins on the season.

“This was a big win for our team and program, especially beforewe head into the playoffs,” said Coach Yarbrough. “This is the mostwins we’ve had in school history and the first time we’ve ever hada winning record in the district.”

With that said, the Lady Bulldogs ended their season as districtrunner’s up behind Wesson. North Pike finished third behindFranklin County. Only the top two teams will advance to the Class1A/2A/3A playoffs, which begins Tuesday, Jan 30.

“Their girls team is getting better and better every year,” saidCathedral girls’ coach David Gaud.

Yarbrough is in his fourth year as Lady Bulldogs head soccercoach. Upton, a former FC soccer standout as well, is in her firstseason as an assistant.

In the boys’ game, a 1-1 halftime deadlockbetween the defensive minded FC Bulldogs and the high octanescoring Cathedral Green Wave hinted that the Bulldogs my havesolved the Cathedral offense.

Franklin High’s Ryan Ratcliff scored his second goal of the gamemid way through the second half, to give FCHS a 2-1 lead. Ratcliffleads Class 3A in scoring with 42 goals on the season.

Despite Ratcliff’s big score, it did little to faze Cathedral.The Green Wave (9-6-1, 6-1) used its talented arsenal of EricHollowell, Taylor Brantley, and John O’Beirne to rock the Bulldogs(16-5, 7-1) to its first district loss in two years.

Franklin County may have also relinquished its districtchampionship as well. Cathedral can win the title outright Saturdayafternoon at North Pike.

The Bulldogs are assured no less than the runner’s up spot inthe division, no matter the outcome of Saturday’s contest. FCHS wonthe title last year.