The Franklin County High School Bulldogs seek a measure of revenge to open up its 2017 season as the host the South Pike High School Eagles at 7 p.m. Friday.

South Pike won a high-scoring game at home over Franklin County in Week 2 of the 2016 season, 40-34.

Franklin County traveled to play Madison-Ridgeland Academy Patriots for a jamboree game last Friday night, and for the most part, Bulldogs head coach Trey Woodard said he was pleased with what he saw.

“We’re on the right track — defense played well, special teams played well, offense will take time,” he said.

Woodard added he liked that his defense tackled well and that the fundamentals were there.

Yet, he said the offensive line needs to play better.

“It’s a group with a lot of experience,” Woodard said about his offensive front.

Woodard said the biggest challenge South Pike presents is speed, including their offensive backfield.

“The have lots of it,” he said.

When Franklin County has the ball, the Bulldogs will have to deal with an Eagles’ linebacker unit that is very athletic.

As for how the first game will set the tone for the rest of the 2017 season, Woodard said he hopes it gives his team an early boost.

“You certainly want to win and go into the next game with confidence, but we’re going to keep working no matter what happens,” he said.

Franklin County’s next three games are on the road against Class 3A powerhouse Seminary, Class 5A newcomer North Pike, and 2016 Class 1A state runner-up Lumberton.

Franklin County has not done well in season-openers in recent years. The Bulldogs took on Brookhaven High School each of the previous four seasons and defeated the Panthers just once — a 20-6 win in 2015. Their previous win to start the season was back in 2012, when they blanked North Pike 40-0.