MEADVILLE – Julian Matthews celebrated homecoming in style Friday night by blocking a punt and recovering it for a touchdown to cap off a Franklin County celebration and a 28-6 win over Port Gibson.

The homecoming victory was a much needed one for the Bulldogs, but it also came at a price as sophomore starting quarterback Jacob McDaniel was knocked out of the game in the second quarter after taking a hard shot in the stomach.

Before his exit McDaniel was automatic, hitting wide out De’Martre Collins with a 50-yard touchdown pass and scoring on a one-yard quarterback keeper in the first quarter.

Collins also scored on a three-yard run in the first frame. He had four catches for 68 yards. Thomas Slagle finished 3-of-4 on the extra point kicks for the night.

Used mainly as a slot back this season, Collins could move back to quarterback in McDaniel’s absence – he started at the quarterback position last season for the Bulldogs.

“It feels really good to get a win,” said Franklin County coach Anthony Hart. “The guys stepped up big and played really well offensively and defensively. Our special teams players also made some big plays to help get the victory.”

The Bulldogs got some big plays from its hard-hitting defense as well. Matthews’ big play came in the fourth quarter, as he blocked a Port Gibson punt and recovered it in the endzone.

Cameron Young added two sacks and five tackles, including three for lost yardage. Deion Buckles had seven hits and an interception.

Senior linebacker Chris O’Quinn led with a team high nine tackles and a pass deflection. Marquavis Dunn had eight tackles. Kentrell Franklin and Dominique White finished with five tackles each. Ryan Johnson had four tackles and recovered a fumble. Keonte Bee intercepted a pass and had three tackles.

The Bulldogs are currently tied for second with Jefferson County in the Region 7-3A race. Hazlehurst leads the division.

FCHS travels to Wesson for a huge Region 7-3A test Friday night in Stone Stadium.