Franklin, NC
Zach Weeks knocks down a Franklin pass
The last time the Maroon Devil’s lost a regular season game it was to Franklin. 21 games later the Panthers ended Swain’s streak. In 2011 Franklin downed Swain 14-6, from that point Swain reeled off 21 straight regular season wins including a win over Franklin in 2012 in Swain County Memorial Stadium. Friday when the series returned to the Panther Pitt, Franklin was a team on a mission, and the Panthers took a 35-14 win.
Like most of the games in the series it was a hard fought, tough, physical battle through 4 quarters. The twist in Friday’s game was most of the scores in the combined 56 points came on big plays, something uncharacteristic of 2 teams known for their outstanding defenses.
Franklin’s first 2 touchdowns came through the air, on 56 and 60 yard passes, uncharacteristic for a team known for their potent ground game. Later the ground game got involved as fill-in Jeremiah Young finished the night with 233 yards rushing to go with 2 touchdown runs.
Raymius Smith accounted for both Swain touchdowns, the first coming on a 1 yard run late in the second quarter. Smith found Jordan Cody for a 29 yard gain down to the 1 yard line to set up his 1 yard run. Then in the third quarter Smith hit Cody again, this time in stride for a 65 yard touchdown pass. Nelson Pinto made good on both extra points.
Smith would finish with a season high 208 yards passing and a touchdown pass on 13 of 25 passing. Spencer McCoy was held under 100 yards for the first time as a Maroon Devil, finishing with 89 yards on 17 carries.