Football Game Preview: North Henderson Knights vs. Franklin Panthers + How To Watch

The North Henderson Knights will face off against the Franklin Panthers at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The two teams are sauntering into the matchup backed by comfortable wins in their prior games.

North Henderson is headed in fresh off scoring the most points they have all season. They simply couldn't be stopped on Friday as they easily beat East Henderson 54-0. The victory continues a trend for the Knights in their matchups with the Eagles: they've now won six in a row.

Parker Willis

Rushing Yards

10/03/25 @ East Henderson	138
09/26/25 @ Brevard	181
09/19/25 vs Pisgah	264
09/12/25 @ Tuscola	281
09/05/25 vs Hendersonville	167
+ 2 more games

North Henderson found their leader in sophomore Parker Willis, who rushed for 138 yards and three touchdowns on only 11 carries. Willis is crushing it when it comes to rushing yards: he's rushed for at least 138 every time he's taken the field this season.

North Henderson was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 255 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 185 rushing yards every time they've taken the field this season.

North Henderson didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. It was truly a group effort as Mason Logan, Derek Williams, and Dylan Kleinknecht picked up one apiece.

Meanwhile, Franklin's game on Friday was all tied up 7-7 at the half, but luckily for them it didn't stay that way. They blew past Tuscola 28-7. The Panthers might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won three games by 21 points or more this season.

Franklin's win bumped their record up to 5-2. As for North Henderson, their victory was their first in the conference, bumping their conference record up to 1-3 and their overall record up to 3-4.

Friday's matchup might be decided on the ground. North Henderson has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 244.6 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Franklin struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 207.1 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's contest turns into a tough fight on the ground.

North Henderson took a serious blow against Franklin in their previous matchup back in October of 2024, falling 45-6. That game was all but decided by halftime, at which point the Knights were down 38-0.