Franklin-Simpson and Taylor County meet for just the second time ever, and first time since the 1998 first round, a 40-34 Franklin-Simpson victory in Franklin. This matchup takes place at Taylor County, where the Cardinals just extended their win streak to ten games with a region final win over Moore by a 22-17 score. Taylor County scored with just 23 seconds remaining to take the lead over favored Moore. Meanwhile, Franklin was pushed to the full limit in a narrow 12-10 survival against Madisonville North-Hopkins, who they trailed 10-0 at the half and 10-6 entering the fourth. Franklin was held 33 points below their season average, and it was their lowest scoring effort since a loss to South Warren in 2017. The Wildcats had not won with that low a score in 25 years, losing 41 in a row. Now they meet a Taylor County team that has the top scoring defense in 4A. Was this week a blip or can Taylor County finish what Madisonville could not?

Obviously Franklin can't play like they did vs Madisonville, but I'm sure Coach Preston will these guys ready. I don't know much about Taylor County. Right now I'm going to say FS 34-17 and third straight trip to State.

I have seen enough of Taylor Co to know FS has their hands full Friday night.

Wishbone? Power I? Spread? Yep...they do em all and do them well.

 

The fullback in the wishbone probably will not wow anyone with his 40 time but he WILL RUN RIGHT OVER YOU. Straight line down hill 5-6 yds at a pop. He seems to relish contact and seeks it out.

 

The QB is a threat to run and is an effective passing threat. The two RBs can scoot.

 

TCs defense is aggressive. They like to get up field and disrupt things.

 

The Cards are at home and no doubt will draw huge home support.

 

The Wildcats are in for another nail biter. Better be ready for a rumble.

FS with too many times in a game like this and too many kids that know what this game takes.

 

FS and JC set to meet in the back alley one more time for a good brawl to end a great run of talent at FS.

This is going to be a tough game for FS. Could come down to kicking game and special teams and FS has one of the best kickers in the state. penalty's can also be huge factor!

This is Coach Preston’s seventh season at Franklin-Simpson. His record at FS in one possession games (8 point differential or less) is 15-4 overall and 4-1 in the playoffs. The one close playoff loss was in 2013 at Owensboro in a game where FS was at least a 3 touchdown underdog. That is a mark of good coaching and mental toughness to perform in pressure situations. No greater pressure than in the playoffs. Last week, that experience showed in the second half comeback. I expect FS to be sharper this week and take care of business. I like FS 35-14.

ttt