Football Recap: Franklin's Win on Friday Extends Winning Streak to Four

Panthers

Previous 4 Games

10/24/25 vs Smoky Mountain	26-8
10/10/25 @ North Henderson	42-21
10/03/25 vs Tuscola	28-7
09/26/25 @ Pisgah	37-26

Franklin extended their winning streak to four on Friday, bumping them up to 7-2. They took down the Smoky Mountain Mustangs 26-8. For the Panthers, this counts as revenge for the 35-14 victory the Mustangs walked away with the last time they faced one another back in November of 2024.

Among those leading the charge was Addix Sutton, who rushed for 57 yards on only eight carries, and also caught one TD.

They were just one part of a punishing run game: Franklin was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 271 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've managed all season.

Franklin didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. In fact, those interceptions all came courtesy of defensive juggernaut Gabe Harrison. Garrett Young was another major factor on D, making 13 total tackles (1.0 for loss).

As for Smoky Mountain, they are on a four-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 3-6. While losing is never fun, they can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina football rankings (they are ranked 233rd, while Franklin is ranked 78th).

When it comes to explaining why Smoky Mountain lost, don't look at Rylee Smith. Despite the final result, he rushed for 158 yards. Smith's rushing production has been exceptional recently as that marked his third straight game with at least 158 rushing yards. Another player making a difference was Jackson Cooper, who rushed for 92 yards and one score on only ten carries.

Coming up, Franklin will take on West Henderson at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The Panthers' defense better be ready for this one: the Falcons have averaged an impressive 27.4 points per game this season. As for Smoky Mountain, they will square off against North Henderson at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The Mustangs will be up against the Knights' rather soft defense (which has allowed 30.89 points per contest), so fans could be in store for a big offensive performance.