Franklinton’s Demons hung tough in their District 6-II opener Friday, but ended up falling to Pearl River, 5-0, on the road.

The Rebels came out putting a lot of pressure on Franklinton’s defense, but the Demons were able to keep them off the board at the outset of the game. Franklinton’s defense did a good job of defending three corner kick chances in the fourth minute.

But Pearl River got on the board in the seventh minute.

Tyler Carr, who scored two goals, both in the first half, got one-on-one with Franklinton goalkeeper Connor Ackerman, and netted the game’s opening goal.

Brendan Cheramie picked up the assist on the play.

The Demons’ Mason Davis attempted a shot in the 11th minute but it went wide.

Franklinton had two shots at the goal three minutes later, but was unable to capitalize.

Pearl River’s Carr scored once more as he attempted a penalty kick, which was good and the Rebels had a 2-0 lead in the 16th minute.

Davis got a free kick opportunity in the 24th minute. He took the kick, and there was a battle in the box, but the Rebels’ defense was able to clear it.

Pearl River had some chances to make it 3-0 by halftime but was unable to do so.

The Rebels led Franklinton, 2-0, at the break.

Franklinton coach Shane Smith said they moved some more guys up in the second half.

He said they didn’t do a good enough job in the first half when they had an opportunity to have the ball on Pearl River’s end of the field.

“We didn’t get enough of our midfielders up on that end,” Smith said. “We did a better job of that in the second half.”

Smith said the bottom line was that he was proud of was that they were down the entire time, but they worked hard in the second half as if the game was 0-0.

“That’s a sign of us improving and becoming a team because I didn’t see that two weeks ago,” Smith said. “I saw guys maybe holding their head down and maybe feeling sorry for themselves. Tonight, they competed in the second half, late in the second half, just as they were in the first half, and I was proud of that.”

Pearl River put up its third goal two minutes into the second half. Seth Davis dribbled upfield, and he scored to make it 3-0.

Franklinton attempted two shots that were blocked a minute later.

In the 46th minute, the Rebels went in front 4-0, as Jose Garay nailed a shot that deflected off of Ackerman and in.

Franklinton nearly got on the board in the 62nd. Tanner Sandburn took a pass from Davis, but Sandburn’s shot was just wide. Nathan Ackerman put a shot on goal, but it was saved, keeping it 4-0.

Pearl River’s final goal was in the 67th.

The Rebels pulled off a perfect crossing pass. Mario Hernandez sent the pass to Brendan Cheramie and Cheramie’s header was perfect to cap off the scoring.

In Monday’s action, Franklinton was victorious over Independence, 5-1, at home in non-district play.

Davis and Sandburn both posted two goals while Saul Sanchez recorded the other in the win.

Connor Ackerman allowed just the one goal in net for the Demons.

Franklinton had a 1-5 overall record this season at press time.

The Demons played their second district game of the campaign against Salmen, following Tuesday’s press time.