The Franklinton Demons football team suffered a setback in their season last Friday at the hands of the Salmen Spartans 37-35 on the road with the game being played at Lakeshore High.
With the upset loss the Demons’ overall record falls to 4-4 and 2-1 in district. The Demons will travel to play the Loranger Wolves this Thursday. The Wolves lost to Hannan last week 54-28 and are 2-8 on the season. The Demons and the Wolves have not played since 2016 when they were in the same district before Loranger moved to 3A.
Against Salmen the Demons’ defense opened the scoring as Timarion Partman intercepted a pass and returned it 65 yards for a touchdown on the Spartans opening drive of the game. Kade Lavigne added the extra point for a 7-0 lead.
Salmen then responded as their quarterback scored on the first play of the ensuing drive, going around the right end for a 73 yard touchdown. The Spartans’ two point conversion was stuffed and the Demons retained the lead at 7-6.
In the second quarter Salmen took the lead on a 29 yard field goal with 9:49 left in the second for a 9-7 lead. After the Demons punted Salmen added another touchdown on a 30 yard run by their back for a 16-7 lead over the Demons with 7:01 left in the first half.
The Demons offense then drove into Salmen territory but stalled out and turned the ball over on downs at the Spartan 28. The Demons recovered a fumble though and got the ball back as Timothy Partman covered the loose ball. The Demons offense took advantage as Zion Anders passed to Kollin Williams for a 16 yard touchdown. This cut the lead to 16-14 which would be the halftime score.
The Demons scored on their opening drive when Anders hit senior receiver Daniel Bryant on a 71 yard touchdown reception with 11:35 in the third. The extra point was no good and the Demons led 20-16.
Salmen then drove 82 yards to score and retake the lead at 23-20 with 6:14 left in the third. The Demons again took the lead early in the fourth period when Kelly Daniels caught a 21 yard touchdown pass from Anders for a 27-23 lead. Salmen scored on their next possession to go ahead for good at 30-27. They then held the Demons to a three-and-out before scoring again with 6:05 left in the game making the score 37-27.
The Demons fought to get back into the game and drove 71 yards to score on Anders 11 yard run with just under two minutes left in the game. Anders passed to Bryant for the two point conversion to make the score 37-35.
An attempted onsides kick was recovered by the Spartans and they knelt out the clock.
Coach Guy Lecompte said the Demons still need to get better in certain areas. "It was a close game that ultimately was decided by special teams. I believe this type of game can make us better and prepare us for the playoffs if we do the things necessary to improve in the areas that we were deficient in."
