MEADVILLE — Chris Robinson’s 10-yard touchdown run with 5:24 to go in the third quarter finally broke a scoreless game between Franklin County and Jefferson County in a key MHSAA Region 7-3A game for both teams.

As it turned out, that would be the game-winning score as the Bulldogs ended up with a huge 16-0 win over the Tigers Friday night that changed the complexion of the Region 7-3A standings.

“They played like it was their last play. They played outstanding. It was not just the seniors. It was a collective whole, “ Franklin County head coach Ricky O’Quinn said.

While the Bulldogs’ offense was not able to sustain a long drive throughout the first half, their defense kept the Tigers from getting in sync themselves. And that resulted in a 0-0 tie at halftime.

“The first half we couldn’t get into a rhythm, whether it was a penalty or a mental mistake,” O’Quinn said. “The second half we ran the football and controlled the clock.” He added that Robinson’s third-quarter touchdown was big not only for the offense, but the defense as well. That same defense was credited with a safety after the Tigers were called for a penalty in the end zone that gave Franklin County a 9-0 lead with 10:55 left in the fourth quarter.

Robinson put the game out of reach with his 54-yard touchdown run with 3:25 remaining. He finished with 181 yards on 28 carries. The Bulldogs’ defense held a high-powered and high-scoring Jefferson County team to just seven first downs and 160 yards of total offense.

With the win, Franklin County (7-4, 3-2) finished third in Region 7-3A while Jefferson County (5-6, 3-2), which a week ago went into its game at Hazlehurst tied for first in the region standings, wound up in fourth place.

Both teams will be on the road for the first round of the MHSAA Class 3A South State Playoffs, which begins at 7 p.m. next Friday.