Defending state champion Edna Karr knocked seventh-seeded Franklinton from the Class 4A football playoffs Friday with a 26-0 win at Muss Bertolino Stadium in Kenner.

“These kids never quit, not even in the last three minutes when we were too far down to even make a comeback. They went out there and played hard and tough until the final second of this game,” said Demons coach Shane Smith.

“Our defense played well tonight, but we made too many costly mistakes, penalties, when we needed to play at our best with these guys,” added Smith. “I’m proud of these guys, and for the seniors it hurts more, but we knew who we were playing.”

Although Franklinton got some opportunitiesin the game, recovering two fumbles and grabbing a pair of interceptions, the Demons could not convert the turnovers into points.

Karr seniors Gerald Willis on defense and Devante “Speedy” Noil on offense and special teams made the difference in the game. Noil struck in the opening minutes of the first quarter by returning a punt 52 yards, scooping it up while surrounded by Demons and blowing past everyone to score a touchdown.  Carl Roberson’s PAT kick put the Cougars up 7-0.

And Willis was in the Demon backfield most of the night, holding quarterback Ron Robinson to 11 yards on 23 carries.

Robinson also went 11-of-21 for 96 yards passing while running for his life most of the contest.

Cougars senior quarterback Kerry Taylor threw the first of his two touchdown passes in the second period from 30 yards out to Jeriah Tolbert to raise the score to 13-0 with half the second frame remaining to play

The Demons drove to the Karr 6-yard line in the waning seconds of the first half but ran out of time as they had expended all of their timeouts.

The third quarter was scoreless, then Karr added the final points in the fourth.

With five minutes left Taylor connected for his second scoring completion, this one to wide receiver Glenn Irons on an 11-yard strike, and with Roberson’s PAT the Cougars increased their lead to 20-0.

Malik Matthews added the final six points on a 3-yard scamper to bring the final tally to 26-0.

The Demons finished the season with a 10-3 record, with all losses having come to semifinal playoff teams. Covington is still alive in Class 5A, with undefeated district champion East Jefferson and Friday’s opponent Karr (12-1) in opposite semifinal games Friday playing for a chance to meet for the Class 4A crown.

“We just didn’t finish, and that is what hurts, knowing that we won’t get another chance,” said senior receiver Donovan Alonzo, who led the Demons with four catches for 54 yards. 

Renaz Wilson had a hard-earned 51 yards on 16 totes for the Demons.

Pierre Wilson and Martavius James each picked off a Karr pass for Franklinton. Dillon Hensley recovered a fumble for the Demons.