MEADVILLE — Senior running back Darnell Ford was instrumentalin powering the Franklin County Bulldogs to a 35-14 victory overthe McComb Tigers. The win broke a 2-game losing streak and gaveFranklin Co. its first win of the season.

Ford carried the football 15 times for 125 yards and scored 1touchdown. He wears jersey No. 6.

For his achievement, Ford has been named The DAILY LEADER’sOffensive Player of the Week.

“It feels good,” said Ford about being named Player of the Week.”I need to keep it up.”

Ford runs a 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds. In the weight room, hebench presses 225 pounds.

“We could have done better,” said Ford about the first 2 lossesof the season. “But we can win as long as everybody stickstogether.”

Franklin County head coach Trent Hammond said Ford is a hardworker and strives to get better.

“Darnell works hard every day,” explained Hammond. “As a player,he listens to what the coaches say. He turns around and tries to doexactly what the coaches say.

“He works hard every day to become a better player,” continuedHammond. ” Darnell has real good vision. He can see the holes andeven when the original isn’t there, he can pick up positiveyards.”

When asked about the play he ran to score the touchdown, Fordreplied, “It was a 36 Toss.”

Ford said he wanted to thank his team for their performance lastweek. He said the offensive line improved.

“We stepped up,” stated Ford. “We got better than the last twogames.”

Making up the offensive line are Demechery Hickingbottom andPreston Shelton at tackle. Brad Covington and Luther Bowlin are atguard. Working at center is Cody Jones. Ladarrious and Denzel Huntare tight ends.

“Since we got that hump off our back and we got the win, weshould be alright now,” stated Ford.

Ford also plays guard for Coach Chris Jordan’s varsity Bulldogbasketball team.

“I hunt every now and then,” replied Ford when asked about hishobby.

Ford’s parents are Cenia and Terrie Ford.

Wide receiver Milton Griffin, a junior, is a cousin to Ford andplays wide receiver for the Bulldogs.

“I want to thank everybody for letting me come back to school,”said Ford. “Coach Hammond is a good coach. This is my first yearwith him.”

Ford’s favorite pro football team is the Tennessee Titans. Hisfavorite NFL player is Reggie Bush of the New Orleans Saints.

FAVORITES

Birthday: June 1, 1991

Food: Chicken

Dessert: None.

TV Show: Martin.

Movie: The Rundown.

Subject: Algebra.

College: Southern Miss.

NFL Team: Tennessee Titans.

NFL Player: Reggie Bush.