Franklin County High School had beaten rival Jefferson County High School five straight times.

You can make it six.

Franklin County dominated from start to finish, rolling up 308 yards rushing en route to a 38-6 win over its Region 7-3A rivals Thursday night.

“This is the first time in a long time where we played (clean),” FCHS coach Trey Woodard said. “We had a turnover late, but we played clean — we covered kicks, we didn’t have penalties, we gave up a few of big plays, but they didn’t hurt us. If we play clean, we’re a good football team.”

The win gives the Bulldogs (5-6, 3-2) the No. 3 seed from the region in next week’s playoffs, while the Tigers (3-7, 2-3) will be the region’s No. 4 seed.

“We played a poor game,” JCHS coach James Herrington said. “I did a poor job of getting them prepared. I didn’t get them up this week. We have to go back and get ready for the first playoff game.”

Senior quarterback De’Martre Collins led the charge with 156 yards rushing and added 75 more through the air. The Bulldogs also received strong contributions from juniors Keonté Bee and X’avier Green, who combined to score three touchdowns.

“We have weapons,” Woodard said. “Sometimes we have some bad matchups, but those guys are dynamic with the ball in their hands, just really talented kids. We’re a better team than where we started the year.”

Franklin County’s defense proved equally effective throughout, forcing three turnovers. The Bulldogs’ defense was led by standout defensive end Cameron Young, who had a sack, two tackles for loss and also pulled down one of the Bulldogs’ two interceptions. Bee had Franklin County’s other interception. Young also added an 11-yard reception on offense.

“(Young) is a monster,” Woodard said. “When he goes in for us on offense he’s a great player. He destroys the edge as a tight end, and he’s a great ball catcher. We’ve got dynamic weapons.”
Franklin County led 28-0 at the half and eventually led by as many as 38 late in the fourth quarter.

The Bulldogs outgained the Tigers 383 yards to 272.

Collins had runs of 62 and 67 yards, with the latter going for a touchdown run. Bee chipped in with 46 yards rushing, while Green had touchdown runs of 10 and 8 yards.

Bulldogs placekicker Spencer Romero was a perfect 5 for 5 on PAT attempts and the junior added a 27-yard field goal in the third quarter.

Senior running back Jalen Herrington led the Tigers with 115 yards rushing. Quarterback Rah’Kendrick Reynolds chipped in with 104 yards on the ground. Reynolds also threw for 71 yards.

Jefferson County remained scoreless until late in the fourth when Reynolds connected with Ke’Shawn Brinkley for an 11-yard scoring strike.

“I’ve just got to get them ready.  I’ll make sure they’re ready next week,” Herrington said.