MENDENHALL – For three quarters the Franklin County Bulldogshung with Mendenhall. But the Tigers finally pulled away late andtook a 27-19 Friday night victory along the way. Mendenhall raisedits record to 2-4.

Franklin County celebrates Homecoming Friday against rivalWilkinson County to open up Region 7-3A play. The Bulldogs are 2-4overall on the season.

“That’s why we play the non-district games against some toughcompetition to get us ready for the division,” said FC head coachRickey O’Quinn Jr.

The Bulldogs battled Mendenhall to a scoreless first quarterbefore the scoreboard finally blinked. The Tigers got a 15-yardtouchdown pass from quarterback Khadarel Hodge to wide out D.J.Warren for a quick 6-0 lead after a failed two-point conversionrun.

FCHS scored moments later when senior kicker Coleman Gravesconnected on a 22-yard field goal, cutting the score to 6-3.

Mendenhall answered with a 22-yard TD pass from Hodge to a D.J.Wilson. The Tigers added a two-point conversion pass after theplay.

Graves booted another 22-yard field goal right beforeintermission to cut the deficit to 14-6. The Bulldogs reduced theTigers lead even more in the third frame when senior running backBilly Norman scored on a tackle-breaking 50-yard scamper. FC missedthe 2-point conversion run, trailing 14-12.

The Tigers would score back-to-back touchdowns seconds later.The TDs came off a Hodge 2-yard plunge and a C.J. Williams 67-yardjaunt. Mendenhall led 27-12, until FC sophomore quarterback JayDavis scored from 21 yards out on a keeper for the final score ofthe game.

Franklin County’s defense was led by Jeremy Hunt with eighttackles. Jeremy Washington and Jimmy Barnes each added six hits.Jalen Washington finished with five tackles and a sack.

Offensively, the Bulldogs were led by senior Calvin Robinson withfour receptions for 61 yards. Milton Griffin led the Dawgs inrushing with 7 carries for 55 yards. Davis was 10-of-19 passingwith two interceptions for 147 yards.