Franklin County to face No. 1 ranked Tylertown

By Michael Kerekes (Contact) | The Natchez Democrat

Published Wednesday, October 21, 2009

MEADVILLE — According to Franklin County High School head coach Trent Hammond, the Bulldogs’ game at Tylertown High School Friday is just another Friday night on the schedule.

“I keep telling (my players), it’s just one game,” Hammond said. “Win or lose, we’re going to keep playing.”

Convincing not just the players, but also the whole community of Meadville that it’s just another game might be difficult, however.

Last season, the Bulldogs’ only two losses were to Tylertown, one in the regular season and one in the South State championship game. Tylertown also happens to be ranked as the No. 1 team in 3A this year.

Despite the “all games are equal” stance by Hammond, even he acknowledges the magnitude of the matchup.

“It’s a big game in the community,” Hammond said. “The players and community have been looking forward to it for 365 days.”

Hammond said Tylertown’s body of work so far this season is something that garners respect from its opponents.

“They played pretty much a 6A schedule at the beginning of the year, and came out undefeated,” Hammond said.

“They’re extremely fast and physical, and that’s without even talking about their quarterback. They’ve got some tall, rangy kids who can run.”

As for Tylertown’s quarterback, Mississippi State football fans might recognize Jameon Lewis’ name. The Tylertown senior has given his verbal pledge to sign with Mississippi State in February 2010 to play football.

“He’s a special athlete that can make plays when they need to make something happen,” Hammond said. “He can throw the ball and run, so we’ve got our hands full come Friday.”

The Franklin County defense looks to match up well with Tylertown’s offense. In its last two games, the Bulldogs have held opponents to less than 110 total yards per game. They gave up just 100 yards against Amite County High School last Friday, and 108 against Hazlehurst Oct. 9.

“We’ve had several guys who’ve played well for us on defense,” Hammond said.

“Ladarius Hunt has played well all year at linebacker. At defensive back, Milton Griffin is either first or second in the state in number of interceptions. Brian and Brad Covington, our two twin defensive tackles, are both about 5-foot-7, 178 pounds, and they’re getting after it pretty well.”

Hammond added that his defense would have to see good games from all 11 players if it wants to contain Tylertown.

On offense, Hammond had praises for quarterback Edward McGhee and the job he’s done throughout the year.

“He understands the offense and the scope of what we’re trying to do,” Hammond said. “When he throws the ball, he usually makes something happen.

“He struggled early (in the season) with his throws, but he got back to where he’s making 50 percent of them, which is pretty good in high school football.”

The Bulldogs will look to improve upon their 3-0 Region 7-3A record Friday. They are 7-2 overall.