FSHS Hornets top EDW in overtime

Led by a stout defense, the Franklin Senior High School posted a 6-0 District 9-3A victory over the E. D. White Cardinals in overtime Friday on a wet night at J. C. Dry Stadium.
On a night when a steady rain fell throughout the hotly-contested conference battle, Franklin’s Brian Robertson scored on a four-yard run on fourth down to hand the Hornets the 6-0 lead in overtime.
A short time later, EDW quarterback Benjamin Sposito fumbled the snap at the one yard line of which Franklin defensive back Brandon McFarlane recovered preserving the 6-0 overtime victory for Franklin.
Throughout the night, Franklin’s defensive stalwarts Cedric Paul, Treveon Parker, Christopher Jones, Brian Robertson and Brandon McFarlane led the Hornets defense with clutch plays, giving FSHS its second consecutive shutout.
Franklin _ which posted its fourth straight victory to improve to 4-3 _ celebrated Homecoming with the thrilling overtime victory spurred on by a signature win.
“This was a great game and a signature win as I was told this is the first time we’ve beaten E. D. White in 10 tries,” Franklin Coach J. Ina said. “It was a good win as the defense played lights out and the offense scored in overtime. This is a historical win and a great win to solidify our berth in the playoffs.”
For four scoreless quarters, Franklin and E. D. White played a classic defensive struggle forcing the extra period where Franklin dented the scoring column on Robertson’s four-yard touchdown.
E.D. White won the toss in overtime, electing to start on defense, giving FSHS the first chance at breaking the scoreless deadlock.
Franklin opened the scoring march with six yards on first and goal from the 10-yard line. On second down, Brandon McFarlane picked up one yard, setting the Hornets up with a third and five from the five. Robertson ran one yard for FSHS before scoring the dramatic touchdown on a fourth-and-four try.
Robertson, who led the Hornets in rushing with 16 carries for 62 yards, darted up the middle for the touchdown, to send the Hornets outfront by a 6-0 margin.
Franklin failed to convert on the point after attempt, taking a 6-0 lead.
The Cardinals opened their overtime period with consecutive penalties, moving the football from the 10 back to the 20. Franklin’s Christopher Jones swatted a pass from Benjamin on the first play, setting up second and goal from the 20. Two plays later, EDW’s Nicholas Scioneaux managed to run 19 yards to the one-yard line. After a time out, Benjamin fumbled the snap as McFarlane coming out of the pileup with the football as Franklin held on for the pulsating 6-0 overtime victory over the E. D. White Cardinals.
Robertson finished with 16 carries and 62 yards to lead the Hornets while McFarlane had 15 carries for 55 yards.
On the night, Brown connected on 3 of 9 passes for 77 yards.
Franklin’s Allen Randle caught two passes for 66 yards with D’Andre Charles making one catch for 11 yards.
Franklin (4-3, 2-0) will play host to Ellender Friday at J. C. Dry Stadium.