Instant classic. These words have been said and printed after the Franklinton/Bogalusa game many times. The 2023 version was no different as the Lumberjacks edged the Demons 36-31 as the lead changed hands seven different times throughout the game.
Franklinton head coach Nick Saltaformaggio, coaching in his first game at FHS, said there was a lot to learn from the game for the Demons. "I thought we competed well. I knew what we were up against in Bogalusa. We struggled on the back end defensively and we really need to get better. We need to figure out how to win. The fans that came out and paid their money definitely got their money's worth in this game. I feel good about our football program and we have to put Bogalusa behind us and work on Covington. There's an old saying 'don't let the same team beat you twice.'
The Lumberjacks got out to a 6-0 lead in the first quarter and the Demons responded with a 20 yard touchdown run by Micah Hart in the second quarter. The Santiago Morales extra point was good and the Demons were up 7-6.
The Jacks scored on a screen pass with 21 seconds left in the first half to take a 14-7 lead into halftime.
The Demons scored first in the third to take a 15-14 lead before Bogalusa answered with a 17 yard touchdown pass to retake the lead at 22-15. Once again the Demons responded as they scored on a Hart 12 yard run for a 23-22 lead.
The Jacks scored the next two touchdowns to go up 30-23, then 36-23 with 3:16 left in the game. The Demons quickly answered as Conner Magee caught an 18 yard touchdown pass from Jacob Crain to cut the score to 36-31.
The Demons onsides kick attempt was unsuccessful but they forced a punt to have one last chance. An errant pass was picked off by the Jacks and they knelt on the ball to run out the clock and preserve the victory.
Quarterback Jacob Crain passed 11 times completing 8 for 139 yards, one touchdown and an interception. Kelly Daniels was the leading receiver with 88 yards on 6 catches. Michael Brock had one reception for 33 yards and Conner Magee had one for 18 yards and a touchdown. Rayshone Manuel rushed 10 times for 102 yards and a touchdown, Conner Magee rushed 7 times for 38 and Micah Hart rushed 10 times for 68 yards and two touchdowns.
The Demons will travel to Covington to play the Lions on Friday. The Demons dropped a tough game last season to the Lions, 22-7. The Demons last victory over the Lions was a 28-27 thriller in 2014. Coach Salt said Covington will be tough. "Covington doesn't do anything special but what they do, they do well. Its going to be a battle and if we continue to improve hopefully it will give us a chance in the fourth quarter."
