NATCHEZ — After the Franklin County 12-year-old Dixie Youth All-Stars took a 2-run lead, head coach Tommy Gibbs told them not to get ahead of themselves.

The lead came in the bottom of the third inning, when Franklin County’s left fielder, David Leyendecker stepped up to the plate trailing 1-0. Leyendecker singled in Justin Greene and Antonio Christmas. The hit gave the Franklin County 12s a 2-1 lead, but Gibbs cautioned his players about relaxing.

And they responded, adding three more runs while holding opponent Pine Hill to just one run, en route to a 5-2 win Tuesday.

“They came from behind and got on top, but I told them not to celebrate too quickly,” Gibbs said.

“I told them, just give me a whole six innings, and whatever happens, happens.”

In the bottom of the fourth inning, Franklin County loaded the bases, and Jacob Moore drove in Gregory Queen on an infield single. Morgan Starks, the next batter, was hit by a pitch, sending home Christopher O’Quinn and giving Franklin County a 4-2 lead.

In the top of the fifth, Franklin County replaced starter Bryce White with Danzel Allen, who surrendered a run on an error by Queen at shortstop.

Allen would get the run back himself, however, when he drilled a pitch over the center field wall in the top of the fifth inning for a solo home run. With the 5-2 lead, he tallied a 1-2-3 inning in the top of the sixth to seal the win.

“He’s a humble kid. I enjoy working with him, and he’s very coachable. He’ll go anywhere on the field we ask him to and give 100 percent. He’s a good kid who doesn’t mind working hard,” Gibbs said.

Gibbs also complimented White for being easy to coach.

“He’s our ace pitcher, who throws hard and accurately. He takes control of the game, and he’s got a great future on the mound.”

Franklin County will play the Natchez 12-year-old All-Stars at 8 p.m. tonight.