Franklin – Franklin scored a touchdown late in the third quarter to break a 14-14 tie, and after adding an insurance field goal in the 4th quarter, took a tough hard fought 24-14 win over the Maroon Devils. It was another in a 5 game nonconference stretch of brutal games for the Devils. The Panthers limited Swain to 79 yards rushing, which netted out to 53 yards when losses for sacks were figured in.
The Maroon Devil rushing attack, which at the beginning of the year featured enough experienced running backs to cause the coaching staff concern about getting each of them enough touches, now is down to 2 healthy bodies. That number does not included converted wide receiver, Jordan Cody. Cody and Derek Fortner paced the Devils rushing attack Friday. Cody finished with 28 yards on 10 carries, while Fortner finished with 24 yards on 8 carries.
Cody, who was a All-WNC selection last season, is quickly proving himself to be one of WNC’s biggest all around threats. Friday was yet another night of over 200 (212) yards in all-purpose yards (offensive yardage plus kick and punt returns) for the senior. For good measure Cody punted 4 times for a 43 yard average, keeping his season average above 40 yards per punt.
Trent Wright had a solid night under center for the Devils. Wright threw for a season high 129 yards. Six of the Maroon Devils 9 first downs came off of Wright passes. On top of his success through the air, Wright scored the Devils 2nd touchdown on a 4 yard run early in the third quarter, which tied the game at 14.
Angel Bowers snared a season high 4 catches from Wright. Bowers also added another interception to his growing resume.
Swain’s 1st touchdown came in the 1st quarter on a Derek Fortner 3 yard run. Cooper Reinert made good on both extra point attempts.
Ross Ensley finished with 12 tackles for the Devils defense. Brody Sitton had 11, while Ice Littlejohn finished with 9.
Swain returns home for their final non-conference game of the season this Friday, as they host Tuscola.