The Franklinton Demons football team won their final regular season game on the road against the Hannan Hawks. After a close back and forth game in the first half the Demons left them behind in the second half enroute to a nice 49-28 win. The Demons finish the regular season with a 9-1 record, 4-0 in district and are the district champions. The Demons will have a bye in the first round of the Division II non select playoffs and will play the winner of the 16 West Feliciana vs 17 Carroll in Demon Stadium in the second round.
Veteran coach Nick Saltaformaggio, in his second season at Franklinton, was glad to get the win. "All I can say is a win is a win. It is great to be 9 and 1, but we still can get better. This team, if we practice and play to our abilities can bring home a championship."
The Hawks came out blazing and scored on their first offensive play, going 72 yards for a score. The Demons answered as Jacob Crain ran in from a yard out to tie the game with 9:06 in the first. The Hawks quarterback then scored on a 50 yard run to put them back in the lead at 14-7 before the Demons scored on a 17 yard pass to DaMikies McClain from Crain to tie the game again.
Hannan again took the lead before the Demons tied it again with :31 left in the first period on McClains 42 yard reception and run. The Demons took the lead with 1:50 left in the first half on Conner Magee's 13 yard run. Hannan tied the game just before the half for a 28-28 halftime score.
In the second half the Demons scored in two plays as Magee caught a 35 yard pass and ran it in for a 35-28 lead.
The Hawks began a drive to tie the game with multiple penalties assisting them in moving the ball down the field. The Demons Semaj Jackson had different ideas and intercepted a pass to give the Demons possession. They took advantage with a 90 yard drive that Sy Austin capped off on his nice 7 yard run to put the Demons up 42-28 with 7:45 left in the third period.
The Hawks again put together a long drive that was fruitless as they missed a field goal.
The Demons scored as Austin capped off an 80 yard drive with a four yard run to put the Demons up 49-28 early in the fourth. Hannan fumbled on their next two possessions and the Demons won 49-28.
The Demons junior quarterback, Jacob Crain, is appreciative of what the team has done so far and is looking forward to the playoffs.
He said, "It's been an amazing year so far and I am so thankful for all the support from the fans and the community. Going into the playoffs as a #1 seed and having a first round bye is something that has never happened at this school and I think that shows just how magical this season has been. I feel that whoever we play in round two has something in store for them. We are very battle tested so far this year and when it comes down to it, this team knows how to get the job done. Go Demons!"
Jacob Crain finished the game with 177 yards and 3 touchdowns on 9 of 13 passing and rushed for 2 yards and a touchdown. Sy Austin rushed for 229 yards and 2 touchdowns on 17 carries while Conner Magee racked up 90 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. DJ Anders rushed once for 21 yards. DaMikies McClain caught 5 passes for 124 yards and 2 touchdowns while Conner Magee caught 4 for 63 yards and a touchdown. Gabe Ezell was 7 of 7 on extra point kicks.
