Franklin triumphs over M.L. King Charter, 24-6

NEW ORLEANS – Joe Brown Stadium was a battle ground Friday night for Franklin High and M.L. King Charter.

Multiple players suffered injuries in a physical game that also saw numerous penalties. It was not always pretty.

When the smoke cleared, the visiting Hornets had earned a 24-6 victory over the Jaguars.

With a short field on their opening possession, Franklin took the lead on a 25-yard run by Jayshaun Johnson on their first offensive play from scrimmage.

King Charter responded thanks to their defense. Christian Doyle broke up a botched handoff and returned the fumble for a touchdown, tying the game up at 6-6.

Late in the half, the Hornets regained the lead on a safety via penalty, going up 8-6. The momentum swung Franklin’s way from that point forward.

After the free kick, the Hornets scored again. With 28 seconds left before halftime, Tamahj Johnson’s 10 yard touchdown made it 16-6 at the break.

A sack in the end zone provide the first points in the second half and Franklin’s second safety of the night with 8:08 left in the third to make it 18-6. The defense totaled three sacks for an overall loss of 33 yards.

“Our guys came out and played with a little bit of tenacity tonight,” Franklin coach Tremayne Johnson said.

Alonzo Alexander connected with J. Johnson on a 52-yard touchdown pass to seal the deal for the Hornets with 8:14 left in the game. Johnson scored two touchdowns and had 134 all-purpose yards.

Christian Doyle notched 71 all-purpose yards, spending time at running back and quarterback for King Charter.

Looking to bounce back from their first loss of the season, the Jaguars face a stiff test next Friday at Dunham. Franklin will seek their second straight win next Friday versus Berwick.

Scoring Breakdown

Franklin. 6 10 2 6 – 24
MLK Charter 6 0 0 0 – 6

Team Stats

Franklin:
– 89 rushing yards
– 96 passing yards
– 138 receiving yards
– 3 touchdowns
– 2 safeties

M.L.K. Charter:
– 22 rushing yards
– 70 passing yards
– 40 receiving yards
– 1 touchdown