DeKalb — Franklin County head coach Anthony Hart called his team’s MHSAA Class 3A second round matchup against Kemper County Friday night the toughest of the season.

“They are the best team we’ve played in my opinion,” Hart said. “They are balanced, big and fast and have a really good team.”

Kemper County (10-2) has dominated opponents this season with a balanced offensive attack, averaging 250 yards per game passing and 215 yards per game on the ground.

Quarterback Eric Clark Jr. has racked up more than 2,100 passing yards this season to go along with 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions.

Elijawhan Cole and Chandler Roberts lead the rushing attack for the Wildcats.

For Franklin County, De’Martre Collins will shoulder most of the load along with Cortney Smith.

“They are going to play a four front on defense and we are going to do the same thing we’ve done all year, establish the run and throw when we can,” Hart said. “We want to give our defense a chance to win us the game.”

Collins, who has converted to quarterback after Jacob McDaniel went down with an injury earlier this season, can make plays with his arm and legs, while Smith is a strong downhill runner, who went for more than 180 yards on the ground in the first round of the playoffs.

Hart said for the Bulldogs to leave with a win, they are going to have to play a smart game.

“To put ourselves in a position to win, we can’t have turnovers and stupid penalties,” he said. “When you play a team like this in the playoffs, that is a necessity.”

The Bulldogs and Wildcats are scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff.