Football Game Preview: Rockdale Tigers vs. Franklin Lions

The Rockdale Tigers will take on the Franklin Lions at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Rockdale has given up an average of 39.1 points per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

On Friday, Rockdale ended up a good deal behind Troy and lost 45-26. The Tigers have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Despite the defeat, Rockdale got top-tier performance from Deandre Stephens, who picked up 146 receiving yards and three TDs. Stephens also deserves a shoutout for his performance on D, forcing one fumble and making five total tackles in addition to snagging an interception. Greyson Williams was another key player, having thrown for 260 yards and four touchdowns.

Deandre Stephens

Receiving Yards

10/31/25 @ Troy	146
10/24/25 @ C.H. Yoe	184
10/17/25 vs McGregor	143
10/10/25 @ Little River Academy	165
09/26/25 @ Groesbeck	246

Rockdale didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Wilmer Sorto and Stephens. Stephens' receiving production has been exceptional as that marked his fifth straight game with at least 143 receiving yards.

Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Franklin). They breezed past C.H. Yoe to the tune of 79-20 on Friday. Winning may never get old, but the Lions sure are getting used to it with their fifth in a row.

Franklin's victory bumped their record up to 6-2. As for Rockdale, they now have a losing record of 4-5.

Rockdale was taken down by Franklin 83-24 when the teams last played back in November of 2024. Thankfully for the Tigers, Jayden Jackson (who rushed for 220 yards and four scores on only seven carries) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? There's only one way to find out.