Franklinton is back in action tonight and will compete in the Mandeville Jamboree against perennial contender John Curtis.
The game, which has a 6 p.m. kickoff, features a pair of teams that went deep in the playoffs last season.
Franklinton was a Class 4A state semifinalist before losing to Neville, 32-8.
Demons coach Shane Smith enters his 17th season as FHS’ head coach. His career record is 132-58 (.694 winning percentage). Under Smith, Franklinton has reached the postseason in every season except 2005.
Smith helped guide the Demons to a state title in 2010. They were state runner-up in 2009. FHS reached the semifinals in 2009, 2010 and last season.
“I’m excited and I think our team is excited because of the challenge in the team we’re playing. We’re playing one of the most storied programs in the nation and we get to compete against them and see where we are,” Smith said. “We’re excited to see what progress we’ve made in the past week. We’re looking for improvements fundamentally, ball security, blocking and tackling and we’re looking to eliminate pre-snap penalties.”
John Curtis, which has captured 26 state titles under coach J.T. Curtis, was the state’s Division I runner up last season with a 17-14 loss to Jesuit in the championship game.
Curtis has coached the Patriots since 1969 and has helped the Patriots to 540 wins.
Last week, the Demons scrimmaged against Slidell at Lakeshore.
The defense was solid throughout. The touchdowns the Tigers tallied mostly came near the end.
The unit did a great job of forcing turnovers throughout. Jeremiah Burkhalter, Jamarian Crain, Martavius James and Kain Conerly intercepted a pass each. Rodney King and Jaquan Anthony both recovered a fumble and Relik Wilson recorded a sack. James ran his pick back for a touchdown.
“It’s just a product of when the defensive front is putting pressure on the quarterback and having athletic defensive backs with good ball skills,” Smith said about the forced turnovers.
Offensively, Tahj Magee threw touchdown passes to Chandler Davis and Ryché Jenkins for 27 and 23 yards, respectively, and Azende T. Magee added a 50-yard rushing touchdown.
Franklinton opens the regular season next Friday on the road against Covington.