JIM HART/Contributing Writer
jimhartrealestate@gmail.com

FRANKLIN
The Franklin High School Broncos hosted the Surry County Cougars for their Homecoming game at Amory Field and came up just shy of a win 26-22 in a VHSL conference 41 rivalry game.

With 7:34 left in the game, the Broncos (1-4)were looking for a win when ToQuwan Newsome took it down the side line for a 72 yard touchdown run. Following the touchdown Jack Sykes got a little push from his teammates to take it over the middle for a 2 point conversion thus bringing the score to 26-22. This was as close as the Broncos could get, as with 1:22 left to play, they turned over the ball in downs.

The difference in the game seemed to be in turnovers and untimely penalties with the first touchdown run of the evening for the Broncos called back on a penalty. Franklin controlled the ball keeping possession 27:02 compared to Surry (5-0) at 20:58 and in total net yards the Broncos gained 376 compared to Surry’s 296. The Broncos were 53 for 297 net rushing yards and 4 for 6 in passing with 79 yards. The Cougars were 31 for 163 in net yards rushing and 7 for 13 in passing with 133 yards. Franklin managed to fumble the ball 5 times, recovering it twice, while the Cougars fumbled only once and recovered. Dominque Gainey and Quayshawn Jefferson led the defense in 6 tackles a piece. Dominque Gainey had 2 sacks for 17 yards and Tre’shawn Freeman had 1 sack for a 6 yard loss.

Leading off the offense for the Broncos was Quayshawn Jefferson with 11 carries and 114 yards with 2 touchdowns followed by Javonte Baker who had 30 carries for 93 yards and Corey Porter with 7 carries for a total of 87 yards. Darrien Duck was for 4 for 6 with a total of 79 yards. Kalil Thomas caught 2 passes for 44 yards followed by Natron Lee with 1 catch for 27 yards and Corey Porter with 1 catch for a 21-yard touchdown.