BY FRANK A. DAVIS/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
f.davis@charter.net

DENDRON—Surry County High School’s football team, which remains without a win, nearly took out the undefeated Franklin Broncos in a Tri-Rivers District game on Friday night at Surry High School.

With 4:28 left in the fourth quarter, Franklin’s Martinez Hill crossed the goal line, yet the Cougars still led 14-12 after stopping Franklin’s 2-point conversion attempt.

It was the grace of God, Bronco Coach Darren Parker told his players as they circled up and prayed after winning the game 24-14.

The break came on the kick-off after Hill’s touchdown, as the Broncos pulled off an onside kick. After several running plays advanced the ball, the Broncos were soon faced with fourth and 5 yards for a first down.

Going to the air, Trey Kigler connected on a key play with Prince Lockhart that advanced the ball to the Cougar 40-yard line. With time running down to 2:50 in the game, Hill carried the ball to the 19-yard line and then to the red zone on the 2-yard line. With 1:38 remaining in the game, Hill scored again to put the score at 18 -14.

The Cougars started their drive on their 29, quickly advancing the ball to midfield. But on their next pass play, Franklin’s Jalen Boone picked off the pass and returned it for a 70-yard touchdown. The 2-point conversion was no good, but this iced the game for the Broncos.

In first half action, the Broncos seemed to be off to a good start after kicking off to the Cougars and recovering the kick. But momentum quickly changed as the Broncos fumbled on their first play.

The Cougars were on the board first on a 39-yard pass from Timothy Thomas to Ladarryl Birchette. The point after was no good.

The Broncos scored in the second quarter on a 44-yard pass from Kigler to Justin Grant. The 2-point conversion was no good.

At the half, the score was tied at 6 apiece.

In the third quarter, the Cougars scored on 2-yard run by Timothy Thomas . The 2-point conversion was good to put the Cougars up 14 -6.

Surry Head Coach Irvin Jones remarked after the game that the onside kick was the play that broke the game for the Broncos. He stated that his Cougars had brought their “A” game for the Broncos.

Leading rushing for the Broncos was Martinez Hill with 133 yards on 24 carries. Bronco Melquan Mitchell added 59 yards on 10 carries. Kigler went 4 for 8 in the air, gaining 128 yards. Grant caught three passes for 85 yards.

In defense, leading in tackles was Justin Boone with 4 and his twin brother, Jalen, with 3.