PEARL RIVER — Franklinton’s Demons lost to Pearl River, 8-0, in a District 6-III contest held Tuesday at Pearl River.
Franklinton has a young team. The team has just one senior in goalkeeper Michael Herbert, who is new to the position.
Franklinton coach Jason Smith said he has seen enormous amounts of progression since the first day the season started.
“We got probably a third of our team at the conclusion of football season,” Smith said. “We’ve come a long way. The scoreboard may not indicate that, but in terms of quality of play, we’re a lot better now in January than we were back in October.”
The Demons had a chance to get on the board in the second minute with a corner kick, but were unable to capitalize.
The Rebels had several chances with corner kicks, but they also were unable to find the back of the net.
The game was scoreless for nearly half of the opening period.
Pearl River got on the board in the 19th minute when Edgar Sanchez converted a penalty kick to make it a 1-0 game.
The Rebels went up 2-0 when Gabe Danton lined a shot that deflected off the Demons’ goalkeeper and in.
The Rebels hit the post two minutes later, but in the 29th minute, Danton dribbled in, got one-on-one with Franklinton’s keeper and scored for a 3-0 lead.
Franklinton had a free kick in the 35th that was cleared.
Bradley James recorded Pearl River’s final first half goal after converting a one-on-one opportunity. It was 4-0 at halftime.
The Rebels scored once more just two minutes into the second half on a one-on-one chance. This time, Colton Pittman posted the goal.
It went to 6-0 in the 50th minute, as Pittman beat a defender and converted in the lower left corner.
Franklinton had a chance on a free kick between the box and the midfield line, but it was cleared.
Pearl River’s Alex Fournier made it 7-0 in the 54th minute.
Both teams had free kick chances, but the defenses kept them from going in.
The match’s final goal was in the 69th minute when Pittman’s attempt from the middle of the field was good for the 8-0 win.
Last Friday, the Demons lost to Lusher Charter, 7-2, at home in district play.
Taylor Cooper and Gabriel Garcia tallied for the Demons.
Franklinton is 3-11 overall this season, heading into tonight’s district road game against International High School of New Orleans. The Demons are 1-6 in district.
Franklinton is 40th in the unofficial Division III power rankings.
Pearl River is 26th in the unofficial Division III power rankings.
Lusher Charter is 16th in the unofficial Division III power rankings.