Andrew Rides Its 'Horse' to Homecoming Victory

With rain sporadically pelting the field throughout Friday night’s game, in front of a Homecoming crowd in Tinley Park.

Driving the ground game was senior running back Jarvis Franklin, who rushed for 155 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries.

Franklin looked like he was running with a chip on his shoulder, and after the game he expressed as much. 

“Everybody left us out to dry because everyone thinks we are going to finish fifth (in conference),” he said. “We wanted to show everyone what we’re about and keep the streak going. It’s a new season now.”

Franklin plays both ways for the T-Bolts and is rarely off the field. But double duty doesn’t seem to wear on the senior. 

“It’s the fun of the game that keeps you going,” he said.  

Franklin helped bolster a defensive unit that forced four turnovers—three interceptions and a fumble. The special-teams unit also blocked a punt.

“I always tell the kids football is the world’s biggest chess game,” Andrew head coach Jim Malec said. “It’s all about field position. Special teams put us in some nice spots, and the good field position takes a lot of pressure off the offense.” 

Malec then turned his postgame attention to his stud running back.

 “Jarvis is an outright horse,” he said. “When he gets going like that, he’s pretty good. He’s a special kid, and he always has a smile on his face.”

Posting back-to-back wins, Andrew climbs to 3-3 (3-1 in Southwest Suburban Red) on the season, playoff hopes still intact.  

“We’re building some momentum, but the way we’re treating it is a one-game season, period. They’re all conference championships, and that’s how we look at it with the kids,” Malec said.

Andrew will look for three in a row next Friday when the T-Bolts host conference foe Bradley.