Franklin takes second win in as many years over Brahmas
WALLER – The Hallettsville Brahmas faced a difficult task for the second year in a row in the form of the Franklin Lions in the first round of the Class 3A, Division I playoffs.
The Brahmas fell victim to the Lions’ running game in a 50-22 loss at Waller ISD Stadium Friday night.
“Going up against the two time defending state champion in the first round, it’s always a tough draw, but we did think we had a chance to win the game,” head coach Levi Montgomery said. “To win, though, we were going to have to play very well. I take full responsibility in that we were not executing to the best of our ability. Defensively, we had too many missed tackles. Offensively, we turned the ball over. Overall, too many penalties as well.”
The Lions were as advertised and can score from any point on the field.
Franklin (10-1) conjured up 519 yards of total offense with 493 yards coming on the ground.
The Brahmas, who finished 7-4 for the second year in a row, amassed 388 yards and had some success in the air.
Quarterback Jorian Wilson completed 9 of 21 passes for 258 yards and one touchdown with one pick.
Junior Fullback Jayden Jackson, a Baylor pledge, ran for 181 yards on 14 carries and one touchdown.
Tailback Devyn Hidrogo had 146 yards on only 5 carries and three scores.
Nine penalties for 85 yards did not stop the offense.
Franklin scored on its first three possessions, took just eight plays to do so and were up 21-0 with the touchdowns after using only six minutes and four seconds of the first quarter.
The first score came after a 68-yard, fourplay drive with Hidrogo going 55 yards for the touchdown.
The second was a 61- yard dash by Hidrogo and the third on a 4-yard run by halfback Colby Smith.
The Brahmas cut the lead to 28-7 on a 19-yard run by Layne Gerke on the first play of the second period. The drive covered 69 yards in 6 plays and the big play was a 36-yard pass to Gerke from Wilson. Ty Tomek added the extra point.
Franklin answered with a 12-yard run by halfback RJ Fulton and an 11-yard run by Hidrogo.
Hallettsville scored with 1:51 remaining in the first half when Rashuan Sidney caught a 63- yard scoring pass from Wilson and the Lions led at the half 36-14.
A 64-yard run by Hidrogo was the end to a 73-yard drive.
Wilson scored on a 2-yard run to end a drive that went 67 yards and took 5 plays with a 54- yard pass to Mycole Pegoda spearheading the march.
The final score came on a 4-yard run by backup quarterback Walker Anderson to make the final 50-22.
The Lions made 13 first downs and the Brahmas 6.
Gerke had 4 receptions for 64 yards and led the Brahmas in rushing with 58 yards on 6 carries.
“ Franklin does though deserve a ton of credit for forcing us into those mistakes,” Montgomery said. “They are a very physical and tough football team that runs their scheme very well. Between them, Lorena, and Columbus, I think they have a chance to win a state championship again.”
RUSHING: Layne Gerke 6-58, Jorian Wilson 9-52, Jashaun Price 10-20.
PASSING: Jorian Wilson 9-21-1 258.
RECEIVING: Jashaun Price 2-68, Layne Gerke 4-64, Rashaun Sidney 2-72, Mycole Pegoda 1-54.