Final

Honestly, I'll never find the words for this game. Franklin-Simpson scored on their last five true drives of the game (I don't count the 1 play they had to run to end the first half). The game was lost when Central could not stop them from converting a 3rd and 40, giving up a 17 yard play followed by two pass interferences. I think the Dragons were gassing out, and I think that mentally shattered them. The Wildcats also hit upon a game changing strategy when they opened up the aerial attack, and also started doing fast breaks out of the huddle to line up, snapping quickly. The Dragons had trouble adjusting to that, not being able to change formations.

 

But this was just BRUTAL. It's amazing how quick this has all gone and man, I wish this were the stopping point.

I was able to make this game tonight. Cats ruled the second half! These young cats may have grew up tonight, and their offensive line looked better too. Good come from behind game for FS! Don't really know what to say about WC, other than they have talent but just ran out of gas.

FS had played six and a half games with one hand tied behind its back. FINALLY they started throwing the ball and using their talented QB for more than just handoffs. If they hadn't, Central would have run away with this game. It was obvious that Central was wearing down in the fourth quarter because they had stopped the wing t the whole first half but when FS returned to it late the Dragons couldn't stop it. I didn't notice until late in the game how few players Central had dressed out. Only counted about 30-35 players. They gave a great effort against FS but I am sure they did not expect FS to throw it like they did. Glad to see this old rivalry renewed, I think it is tied 18-18 now. FS won I think the first 12 games back in the day so the wins over Central have been scarce lately.

Central led 25-7 with 9:30 to go in the third quarter. Central's last two plays of the first half were both 71 yard TD passes. These were sandwiched around a five play FS TD drive that pulled the Cats within 12-7. After the second lightening bolt hit the halftime score was 18-7.

Central took the second half kickoff and took only 2:30 to run the lead to 25-7. They did not score again until there was only :58 seconds left.

The first FS possession of the second half saw a major change. The Cats went to the air on nearly half their plays and cut the deficit to 25-14 with just under seven minutes left in the third.

The crazy part of the game ended the third and started the fourth.

FS drove to a 1st and 10 at the WC 23. Two major penalties resulted in (I think) 3rd and 37 (or 47... A lot). A 17 yd run by Saul Brady and two pass interference penalties put FS at the WC 11 with 1st and 10. Nick Groves scored from there to make it 25-22 WC.

From here FS went to the ground attack. Rolling to 171 yards on 16 rushes and two TDs in the fourth quarter to get the win.

Big win going into the off week.

BTW, one note on the pass interferences that Central gave up that turned a 4th and 23 (itself after a 3rd and 40) into a first down - NEITHER took place at a spot that would have been sufficient for a first down. The first one especially was a cardinal sin, a good 8 yards shy of the sticks. Be disciplined, let him catch it, tackle him. The second might have been a little more hairy (and also, it shouldn't have been pass interference as the ball had not been thrown - illegal contact maybe, it was past 5 yards), but the same principal should have been applied. Not intelligent play.

I think SWwill see both in playoffs