by Michael Bradshaw, recruit757
Franklin Linebacker Delvontae Boone (Photo: Michael Bradshaw/recruit757)
On senior night in Franklin, the Broncos were well prepared to exhibit to their fans why they expect deep playoff runs every year. It was a perfect night for football and a perfect opportunity for Franklin to continue their drive to the Division 1 playoffs.
The Broncos kicked off to the Tigers to open the game and the King & Queen offense drove down field to score. A successful opening drive could deflate some teams early but not Franklin. Franklin took their first possession right back down the field on 8 carries by Marcus Stephens and 4 from Travis Brown to make it 8-8 with 6 minutes left in the first quarter.
On the next King & Queen possession, the Tigers had the Bronco defense back on their heels again until Franklin was saved by a timely interception of a Chris Edwards pass. Edwards was targeting running back Tony Washington deep on the Bronco sideline when DelVontae Boone stepped in front of the pass and picked it off. Boone returned it to the Tigers 4-yard line before being pushed out of bounds. On the next snap of the ball, Franklin running back Travis Brown punched it into the end zone, deflating the Tigers who never truly recovered.
Tiger seniors David Mercer, J.J. Mercer, and Isaiah Beasley fought hard all night on defense to stop the stampeding Broncos, but Travis Brown was an unstoppable stallion throughout the remainder of the game. King & Queen’s Tony Washington was called upon to try and get the Tigers’ momentum back, but on three long drives, a turnover or failed fourth down conversion would swing the “mo” back to Franklin.
Franklin senior Jordan Cassidy recorded several key tackles throughout the game and had an interception late in the third quarter that ended King & Queen’s hopes of a comeback. Cassidy returned that pick for 47 yards, missing the end zone by a just two yards, impressive for a defensive lineman.
Final: Franklin 42, King & Queen 22.
In recruiting news from the Franklin sideline, Hampden-Sydney and Christopher Newport University coaches are waiting for return phone calls from DelVontae Boone. Javonte Blacknall and Travis Brown were visited by the UVA recruiting coach for the region this week and is expected to invite the two up for unofficial visits.
- Michael Bradshaw
