GRAY DEYOSports Writer

The Tullahoma Wildcats were quick to erase their narrow loss against Rockvale the week prior, winning this week against Franklin County High School convincingly. They won the matchup 43-0 and improved to 5-4 overall in the season and 2-1 in region play.

To start the game both Tullahoma and Franklin County traded four punts. Neither team could get anything flowing on offense, but inside this defensive battle the Wildcats still found a way to put points on the board. After holding Franklin County deep inside their own territory the Rebels were forced to punt inside their own endzone. Senior Will Hyden as he often does was able to get past the opposing offensive line and was closing in quickly to the Rebels’ punter. Hyden blocked the attempted punt and the ball proceeded to bounce and wobble out of bounds in the endzone. The refs signaled for a safety giving Tullahoma 2-0 lead. It gave the Wildcats team as whole momentum, including Tullahoma’s offensive unit.

On the ensuing possession, Tullahoma senior quarterback Lucas Reed located his star RB Marvancy Johnson Jr. streaking wide open down the middle of the field for a 53-yard touchdown. The touchdown was the first of three TD passes for Reed on the day. He posted one of his better games of the season throwing an efficient 6-11 for 153 yards and the three scores.

The Wildcats closed out the first half with two more scores–a Johnson rushing touchdown and a 40-yard touchdown reception from senior Gavin Seaboolt–giving them a 22-0 lead. In the second half all three of the Wildcats touchdowns were scored by different players. Junior Dominick Harris ran over 60 yards for a rushing touchdown and junior Jakin Lovett and sophomore Landin Johnson had touchdown receptions.

On the defensive side of the ball for the game Tullahoma created numerous turnovers. One of the players that was a major part of this was junior Elijah Alexander. In the second half he had an interception and a fumble recovery. Senior Sam Bobo also had an interception in the game and junior Kyron Peace had a fumble recovery.

Tullahoma has one regular season game left before they enter postseason play. On Halloween they will take on Columbia Central. The opposing Lions are currently ranked number one in the district with a record of 3-0. Two weeks ago they defeated Lincoln County, who are second place in the district, 28-27.