Franklin County tops Wesson to win region crown
Published 1:04 am Thursday, April 13, 2017
(Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)
(Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)
Franklin County's Garrett Smith slides in safely to home during Wednesday's game. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)
The Franklin County High School dugout cheers on their teammates during Wednesday's action. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)
Franklin County High School's DeMartre Collins hugs teammate Thomas Slagle after the Bulldogs' 13-7 win over Wesson Wednesday in Meadville. FCHS won its region championship with the win.
Franklin County High School entered Wednesday night’s showdown against Wesson needing to win by at least two runs to claim the Region 7-3A championship.
Mission accomplished.
Franklin County raced out to a 13-1 advantage after three innings and never looked back as it beat Wesson 13-7 and celebrated the win with a team dogpile.
The Bulldogs pounded out 10 hits. Franklin County scored six runs in the second and seven more in the third to take the early commanding advantage.
“We preach to have an approach at the plate and be ready to hit it when it’s thrown to you,” FHS coach Joshua Thibodeaux said. “The guys have really bought in this year, and we’re starting to see the results.”
Franklin County fell in a heartbreaker to Wesson Monday, 10-9, forcing the Bulldogs (16-5, 9-1) into a must-win situation.
On the field and in the dugout, Franklin County played with passion throughout the game.
“It really helps our guys in the field,” Thibodeaux said of the enthusiasm flowing from the dugout. “But it also helps the younger guys to see the game and be able to pick up on things.”
Thomas Slagle led the hitting barrage for FCHS. The senior had a run-scoring single in the second, but his big blow came in the third when he launched a three-run homer to left field.
“I was sitting 2-0, and I was just waiting on a fastball, and he gave me a fastball,” Slagle said of his fifth homer of the year. “I knew I got it.”
The 6-foot right-hander was equally effective on the mound, tossing all seven innings for Franklin County and tallying four strikeouts.
“We kept the same intensity from Monday,” Slagle said. “As a pitcher, I’m happy to see that, it keeps me pumped up. I wouldn’t want to be out there with any other guys.”
“We know we’re going to get a good effort from (Slagle) every time he’s on the mound,” Thibodeaux said. “As far as a senior leader, I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Wesson scored first, pushing a run across in the top of the second. The Cobras scored three more runs in the fifth and added three in the seventh.
Dalivan Hunt had three hits for Franklin County, while Jacob Jordan had two hits and two RBIs. Jacob Clanton and Trent Tindle each added an RBI, while Garrett Smith scored a run and had a single.
Franklin County will play next weekend against a representative from Region 5-3A during the opening round of the MHSAA Class 3A playoffs.
The Bulldogs will host Loyd Star Tuesday for its regular-season finale.
“We just have to keep doing what we do,” Thibodeaux said. “We have to throw strikes and get ahead in the count. When we’re at the plate, we’re looking for one pitch and trying to hit it.”
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