MEADVILLE – For the second time in school history, the Franklin County Bulldogs were upset by a No. 4 seed in the first round of MHSAA Class 3A State Playoffs.

Paced by 218 yards rushing from Forest senior running back Mikell Daniels, the Bearcats pulled off a shocking 14-0 win over the 7-3A district champion Bulldogs.

Forest got a first quarter score by Daniels from five-yards out and another TD scramble from him of 16-yards in the third quarter.

The 6-2, 190-pound Daniels showcased his rushing talents Friday night with shifty and elusive runs that kept the Bulldogs off balance and drives going for the Bearcats.

Daniels currently leads Class 3A in rushing with nearly 2,000 yards on the ground and 20 touchdowns scored this season.

As for the Bulldogs high-powered running game, it was shut down. FC ran the ball 29 times for a mere 25 yards. Senior runningback Bernard Selmon was the offensive leader for FC with 40 yards rushing on 17 carries and caught six passes for 44 yards.

The Bulldogs (7-4) were overwhelmed by the Bearcats (7-5) quickness on defense. Forest halted several FC drives with its swift defensive plays.

Chris O-Quinn powered the Bulldogs’ defensive attack with 15 tackles. DeAnthony King contributed 13 tackles and Danzel Allen had 11 tackles.

Despite having the table set for a playoff run, the Bulldogs absorbed their second loss to a fourth seed in the playoffs.

FC lost to Richland 10-0 inside Louie Mullins Memorial Stadium in 2003, much like that unit these Bulldogs were also a senior laden team.

Franklin County and Forest have had several memorable playoff encounters over the last 25 years. Friday night’s upset by the Bearcats and Daniels banner night will be one Forest fans remember for a long time.