Demons hope to bounce back Saturday
Published 9:37 am Friday, September 20, 2013
Franklinton (1-1) gave up a 12-0 lead last week, but tomorrow night is the Demons’ chance to rebound as they travel to the Crescent City to face Brother Martin (2-0) at Tad Gormley Stadium.
The 7 p.m. game was originally scheduled to be played at Pan American Stadium, but was moved.
“We need to better job of handling adversity, staying out of negative yardage situations, getting out of third-and-long and generating big plays,” Franklinton coach Shane Smith said. “Generally when we’re having success, we’re getting off the field on third down.”
Following last Friday’s game Smith said his club struggled on third down offensively and defensively.
Franklinton also struggled with flags against Covington. The Demons were penalized 13 times for 110 yards after starting the season well in that category with just four flags for 45 yards the week before against Tylertown.
Quarterback Ron Robinson, who was sidelined in the opener with an ankle injury, played last week and did a nice job, going 11 for 21 for 203 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. He also ran for a score.
Smith said this is Robinson’s first full week of practice since the jamboree week.
Renaz Wilson leads FHS in rushing with 169 yards on 31 carries (5.4 yards per carry).
Donovan Alonzo is the leading receiver with five catches for 122 yards (24.4 yards per catch) and a score.
Daryl Fortenberry is second with four receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown.
Smith said on the defensive side, his team has to communicate more effectively.
Taylor Scott leads FHS’ unit with 16 tackles, two for loss.
Pierre Wilson, who intercepted a pass last week, is second with 15, two for loss and a sack.
Brother Martin coach Mark Bonis said his team’s strength is the defense.
The Crusaders returned nine players who started in some fashion last year.
“Offensively, our line is very good because they’ve been playing together a long time,” Bonis said.
“We knew our defense would have to keep us in football games early in the season because our skill guys are young. I think defensively, we’ve been playing well.
“They’ve been flying to the football and for the most part, we’ve tackled well, especially on the perimeter.”
One of the main reasons for the Crusaders’ early success this season has been the takeaway/giveaway ratio. Brother Martin has forced seven turnovers while committing just one.
“They do a lot with the defensive front, and they’re generating turnovers,” Smith said. “They had two big ones against John Ehret and three against Patterson.”