Indians Top Woodlawn to Secure Postseason Berth

Although they committed a few too many penalties and, on occasion, missed some opportunities here and there to the put the game away early, the Franklin Indians are heading to the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season.

Quarterback Jackson Thornton through for three touchdowns and the Indians defense combined for five interceptions as Franklin used a strong third quarter to put away visiting Woodlawn, 32-18, in what was a sloppy contest—on both sides of the ball. 

With the win, Franklin (7-3) will more than likely face off against Aberdeen in the Class 3A North semifinals next week, although the host of the game won’t be determined until the final point standings are unveiled later this weekend.

“I told the guys all week, we need to do what we need to do,” head coach Anthony Burgos said. “I felt like all year we were one play away or just kind of missing it by one step. Today, we had to come out and get a big win, and that’s what we did.”

The Indians quickly jumped out to a first quarter lead squarely on the shoulders of senior Marquis Ellis.

The wide receiver hauled in Thornton’s first touchdown pass—a highly lofted fade pattern in the back corner of the end zone—on Franklin’s opening drive. Then, on Woodlawn’s ensuing possession, Ellis stepped in front of a Jonathon Huff pass and returned the interception 25 yards to put the Indians ahead 12-0 less than three minutes into the game.

Although Woodlawn (2-8) held Franklin scoreless for the remainder of the half, the Indians defense came up with stops on their end, twice turning the Warriors over on fourth down inside the red zone.

Arguably the biggest defensive stand of the game came after a Thornton fumble set Woodlawn up at the Franklin seven yard line to start the second quarter.

However, after three consecutive run plays netted the Warriors only three yards, Woodlawn again returned to the air only to be picked off by safety Devin Gibbs-Wagner.

Still, needing a win to secure their spot in the playoffs, the Indians led only 12-0 at the break.  

In the third quarter, Franklin quickly erased any shred of doubt that they’d be left out of postseason football.

After Ellis’ second interception of the day halted Woodlawn’s opening drive, the Indians embarked on a 10 play, 71 yard drive that culminated with Thornton hooking up over the middle with tight end Andrew Bond for a four yard score.

Freshman JV call-up Jaquez Adams found his twin brother Jordan on a 21-yard scoring strike on Franklin’s ensuing possession and following a Woodlawn three-and-out, Thornton needed just six plays before hooking up with wide out Ian Thomas down the sideline for a 55-yard touchdown pass to put the Indians ahead 32-0.

“I told the guys at halftime, I thought we missed two opportunities to score. I was glad that they did what they had to do in third quarter—drive down [the field] and get stops,” Burgos said. “It all worked out and at the end the day, I told these guys, we’re a very inexperienced team compared to the team from last year. But, I feel like we’re peaking at the right time and if we can get going and get in the dance, we’re good to go.”

After taking care of business Friday night, the Indians will be dancing for at least another week.  

BOX SCORE

Franklin 32, Woodlawn 18

F—12 0 13 7----32

W—0 0 0 18----18

 1^st Quarter

F- M. Ellis 12 yard pass from J. Thornton (kick failed)

F- M. Ellis 25 yard interception return (kick failed)

3^rd Quarter

F- A. Bond 4 yard pass from J. Thornton (pass failed)

F- Jo. Adams 21 yard pass from Ja. Adams (S. Myers kick)

4^th Quarter

F- I. Thomas 55 yard pass from J. Thornton (S. Myers kick)

W- V. Robinson 2 yard run (J. Huff run)

W- J. Killikelly-Lee 26 yard run (KilliKelly-Lee run)

W- Safety