The Franklinton Demons football team opened the season with a tough loss to the Amite Warriors last Friday in Demon Stadium. The Demons got behind quickly, climbed back into the game, then could not stop Amite when it mattered, falling 34-19.
The Demons will host the 5A Covington Lions, who are 1-0, this Thursday night in Demon Stadium.
The Warriors opened the game with possession and were forced to punt. A fumble by the Demons on the return handed possession right back to the Warriors at the Demons 19. The Warriors took advantage and scored to go up 7-0.
The Demons put together a drive that ended in a field goal attempt, which was blocked. The Warriors scored on the ensuing drive to go up 14-0 at the end of the first period.
The Demons Chakyn McClain returned the kickoff back over eighty yards for a touchdown to make the score 14-6 after the two point conversion was no good.
Amite scored on their next drive to make the score 20-6, which would be the halftime score.
The Demons opened the second half with a nice drive that stalled out at the Warriors 33, where they turned the ball over on downs. The Demons next possession again saw them in Warriors territory but a pass was intercepted at the goal line to end the drive.
Amite scored late in the third on a long run to go up 27-6. The Demons scored on a five yard run by Stephen Tate to cut the lead to 27-13. After a defensive stop, the Demons scored on a 97 yard pass from Kerston Diddon to Chakyn McClain to cut the lead to 27-19 after the extra point was blocked.
The Warriors scored on a fourth down and two as the Demons were desperately trying to get the ball back to more or less put the game away. The Demons could not score and the Warriors ran out the clock.
Coach Nick Saltaformaggio, in his fourth season as head coach of the Demons, still believes in his team.
"It's one of those nights where we couldn't get any traction. I very much believe in our team and know that good days are ahead. Amite made plays with the quarterback run game that we could not get a handle on.”
He said, “There were some positives. Our quarterback played well and obviously McClain had a great game. Our offensive line showed improvement. We know our schedule is difficult but I also know it will prepare us for the big games in November!"
Quarterback Kerston Diddon was 9 of 17 for 177 yards with one touchdown and one interception while rushing three times for 30 yards. Chakyn McClain was the leading receiver with 2 catches for 105 yards and a touchdown, Preston Venables caught 3 for 23 yards, Jayden Burkhalter caught 3 for 36 yards and Rhett Anderson caught 1 for 13 yards. Ricardo Burris was the leading rusher on 8 carries for 55 yards, Stephen Tate rushed 10 times for 30 yards and a touchdown, Burkhalter rushed once for 2 yards and McClain rushed once for no yards.
