TYLERTOWN – 2006 was the last time the Franklin County Bulldogs beat Tylertown – until Friday night. The Bulldogs, led by an assortment of big plays on defense, beat the Chiefs 17-14. Senior defensive tackle Darrin Wiley blocked two punts, while senior safety Chris Robinson blocked a field goal to notch the win.

“It was a good win for us and our kids against a good ball club,” said Franklin County head coach Chris Calcote. “We got some big plays with the field goal and punt blocks. I’m proud of our boys.”

Franklin County opened up the scoring with a 51-yard touchdown scamper by Robinson in the first quarter. Tylertown tied things up in the second quarter, off a five-yard TD run from Ja’Mez Mark.

Wiley, a 6-foot, 250-pound senior, made his impact in the game after halftime, as he blocked two Tylertown punts to set up scores for the Bulldogs. Wiley scored one a one-yard run, while Bulldogs sophomore kicker Trinity Coleman connected on a 27-yard field goal.

The Chiefs attempted a 35-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, but Robinson used his 4.4 40-yard dash speed to come off the end and block it.

Tylertown cut the Bulldogs lead to 17-14, off a Mark six-yard TD run with 3:39 remaining.

Franklin High ran the remaining minutes off the clock for the long awaited victory over the Chiefs.

“It’s been a while since we beat them,” said Calcote. “We’ve got to go in next week and play with the same passion as we did tonight against South Pike at our place.”

Tylertown held Robinson in check most of the game, allowing him 57 yards rushing on 24 carries. Robinson scored on a 51-yard run to start the game, but was held basically to six yards rushing on 23 carries the rest of the way.

Jerry Hannon led the Bulldogs with 16 tackles. Chris O’Quinn made 10 hits.

Franklin High’s win over the Chiefs broke a seven-game winning streak Tylertown had over the Bulldogs. FCHS won the district title over Tylertown 14-12 in 2006. That win led the Bulldogs to a remarkable run to the Class 3A Championship that season.