SUMMIT — A stifling defense and a strong running game led Franklin County High School to an impressive 23-8 win Friday against North Pike, the defending Class 4A South State champions.

North Pike’s only touchdown came on an 81-yard kickoff return by Santana Wilson in the third quarter. The Bulldogs finished with 187 yards on the ground, and Franklin County head coach Rickey O’Quinn said his team could have scored even more points.

“I thought we played a balanced football game,” O’Quinn said. “Our defense played outstanding, and we didn’t give up a touchdown on defense one time.

“I felt like we left too many points on the field. We had too many penalties. I know it’s early in the season, but we had some stalled drives that could have led to points.”

Franklin County had 13 penalties for minus 88 yards.

The Bulldogs’ first touchdown came on a Troy Norman 2-yard carry with 6:08 left in the first quarter. Trey Hannon scored on a 1-yard run with 9:33 left in the second to go up 14-0 at the half.

In the third quarter, Kevin Briggs scored on a 75-yard fumble return with 9:45 to go.

North Pike scored on the ensuing kickoff with 9:32 remaining in the third.

Franklin County’s final points came on a safety when an attempted punt sailed past the North Pike punter into the back of the end zone.

O’Quinn said he was pleased to see such a strong running game from his players against a formidable North Pike defensive line.

“We decided all week long we were going to run the football,” O’Quinn said. “We had 187 yards, but we had two or three long runs called back on penalties, so we could have had more. I’m glad we’re 1-0, but we have more work to be done (in correcting the penalties).”

Hannon led the Bulldogs in rushing with 69 yards on nine carries. Quarterback Jadarius Davis was 6-for-13 in passing with 93 yards. Rickey Wilson had two receptions for 42 yards.

After getting a win against a team one classification above them, O’Quinn said this game is a great momentum booster for his Bulldogs.

“This was a good team,” he said. “To take it to their house and win, it was great. The kids played their hearts out on both sides of the ball, and I’m very proud of them.”

Franklin County will travel to Loyd Star next Friday.