FRANKLIN—Bronco Marcus Stephens led all rushers with 92 yards and 3 touchdowns as the Franklin Broncos easily overpowered the Colonial Beach Drifters 41-22 at Armory Park football stadium on Friday night.

Although the Broncos gave up 22 points to the Drifters, all of the points on the scoreboard came in the fourth quarter after Bronco Head Coach Darren Parker had retired his starters from the field. Parker said he still feels the team needs to finish the last three minutes strong.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Broncos came alive early in the second quarter as they drove 80 yards and crossed the goal line on a 13 yard run by Marcus Stephens. Angel Padilla booted the extra point to put the Broncos up 7-0.

Bronco Malcolm Walker recovered a Drifter fumble on their next possession deep in Drifter territory. The Broncos then drove 30 yards and scored on a 3 yard run by Stephens. Padilla added the extra point and the Broncos went up 14-0 with 10:28 left in the second quarter.

Walker fell on another Drifter fumble on the very next possession, but the Broncos could not capitalize on the opportunity with a score.

With seconds left in the first half, the Bronco defense dug in to stop the Drifters in the red zone. The first half ended and the Broncos took a 14-0 lead into the locker room.

Very early in the third quarter on the Broncos first possession, Stephens broke free for a 50-yard touchdown run. The Padilla kick was good and the Broncos increased their lead to 21-0.

As time was running out in the third quarter, Corey Porter out ran all defenders to score on a 65-yard touchdown run. The Padilla kick was no good but the touchdown score gave the Broncos a 27-0 lead.

The Drifters added 22 points in the fourth quarter on three possessions, the first ending in a 5-yard run by Lucas Lamar, the second ending on a 5-yard run by Lashaad Thompson and the final ending with a 3-yard run by Dezjohn Parker. Two point conversion attempts were successful by Shamar Shanks and Andrai Turner.

The Broncos added 14 points in the fourth quarter, as Javonte Baker scored on a 52-yard touchdown run, and Darrien Duck finished a drive with a 3-yard touchdown run. Padilla booted both extra points.

The Broncos rushed for a total of 367 yards and the Drifters rushed for 313.

Corey Porter led the Broncos in tackles with 10 followed by Terry Warren and Dominque Gainey, both with 7.

Franklin Head Coach Darren Parker remarked after the game, “The team played well. We have to work on some small things this week but the Broncos are in it for the long haul.”

The Broncos are now 3-0 and will next play at home on Sept. 20 against the Charles City Panthers.