Franklin County (6-4, 3-1),  coached by Anthony Hart, tightened their grip on second place in Region 7-3A action with a big 23-7 win over Wesson Friday.

This week, the Bulldogs are preparing for another tough division battle as they travel to Fayette to battle their archrivals, the Jefferson County Tigers.

The Tigers (3-6, 2-2), coach by James Herrington, are currently holing on to the fourth and final playoff spot in Region 7-3A action after losing to the Hazlehurst Indians 56-20 Friday.

FC’s top offensive player last week against Wesson was senior running back Cortney Smith. He rushed for 186 yards on 25 carries and a touchdown, while De’Martre Collins used his arm completing 7-of-10 passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns.

Antonio Christmas was the top receiver with two catches for 57 yards. Isaiah Elam caught three passes for 29 yards. Tony Wells caught a pass for 20 yards.

Defensively, Marquavis Dunn and Chris O’Quinn powered the Bulldogs with seven tackles each. Ryan Johnson contributed six tackles and had an interception. Jonquavis Sanders and Dominique White finished with six tackles each.

Last year, Franklin County knocked off Jefferson County 28-18 in Meadville.

My prediction: The Bulldogs will beat the Tigers 36-20.