Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

BY ALEXANDER MORASKI

SPECIAL TO THE DAILY NEWS

The Franklinton Demons’ remarkable season came to a heartbreaking end Friday night, as they fell 35-32 to the Cecilia Bulldogs in the LHSAA Division II Non-Select State Championship at the Caesars Superdome.

The loss snapped Franklinton’s 11-game winning streak and ended their bid for the program’s second state title, but the Demons (12-2) showed grit and determination in their first championship game appearance since 2012.

Franklinton quarterback Jacob Crain capped a historic season with another standout performance. Crain completed 21 of 29 passes for 224 yards and added a rushing touchdown, orchestrating several key drives that kept the Demons in the game.

Crain was riding high in the title game after leading Franklinton to a dramatic 35-29 semifinal victory over Iowa. Crain completed 15 of 24 passes for 366 yards and three touchdowns in that game, including the game-winning score. The performance helped him surpass the 2,000-yard passing mark for the season, making him just the fifth quarterback in school history to achieve the feat.

Crain also earned Gridiron Football Player of the Week for his performance vs Iowa in the semifinals.

The Demons opened the championship game with a statement, marching down the field on their opening drive. Crain connected with his receivers to set up senior running back Sy Austin’s 6-yard touchdown run, giving Franklinton a 7-0 lead.

Austin, who rushed for 147 yards on 30 carries, scored three touchdowns and added a two-point conversion to lead the Demons’ offense. Wide receiver Damikies McClain also played a key role, catching ten for 125 yards in a strong showing.

Franklinton’s defense made critical stops in the second half, holding Cecilia scoreless in the third quarter and giving the Demons a chance to take the lead. Early in the fourth quarter, Austin broke through for a 14-yard touchdown run, and Crain’s two-point conversion pass to Jaiden Garrett put Franklinton ahead 32-29.

However, Cecilia responded with a late touchdown and forced two turnovers in the final minutes, sealing the Demons’ fate. Cecilia would go on to win 35-32.