LOYD STAR — Franklin County was no match for the physical, run heavy Loyd Star Hornets Thursday night. Loyd Star won 28-7 to close out the regular season. 

Sophomore running back Tristan Fortenberry scored the first touchdown for Loyd Star with 11:52 in the second quarter. Seconds later lightning struck near the field and a weather delay was called. 

30 minutes later, both teams warmed up and got back to playing football as a heavy rain continued to fall. Jordyn Kees would score the second touchdown of the game for Loyd Star when he plowed ahead for two yards to take a 14-0 lead with 2:58 in the second quarter. 

Kees would score the third touchdown of the game on another two yard carry up the middle. Loyd Star led Franklin County 22-0 with 3:20 in the third quarter. 

Fortenberry put away Franklin County with a 25 yard touchdown run with 7:35 left in the fourth quarter. Fortenberry said his blockers opened a hole, a defender slipped and then it was wide open to the endzone. 

“It feels good to get the win. The online did a great job tonight you can’t do it without the o-line. They get the credit,” Fortenberry said. “The rain might have helped us because we are run heavy. Franklin County might have been more affected because they like to pass. We just hit you in the mouth.” 

Loyd Star dominated the game physically which could be seen towards the end of the game. Franklin County players body language showed they were worn out from the physicality. In total, Loyd Star gained 422 yards on the ground .

The Bulldogs did manage to score a touchdown in the fourth quarter. 

A fumbled snap recovered by Franklin County at the 16 of Loyd Star set up great field position. Franklin County’s quarterback Charlie Herring completed a pass to a wide open Chris Pernell to cut the lead to 28-7 with 3:36 in the fourth quarter. 

Loyd Star drove the length of the field but kneeled out the clock inside the five to see the game out. With the win, Loyd Star enters the post season with an 8-2 record. 

The Hornets will host Pelahatchie in the first round of the MHSAA 2A playoffs next week. Fortenberry said he believes they haven’t shown everything they can do yet. 

“I think we have new guys who can play more. We haven’t brought everyone out yet and we are improving,” Fortenberry said. “Our defense played well tonight. I think we will do well in the first round.”