Franklin suffered their biggest loss since October 27, 2023 on Friday. They came up short against the Smoky Mountain Mustangs, falling 35-14. The defeat continues a trend for the Panthers in their matchups with the Mustangs: they've now lost four in a row.
Smoky Mountain had a senior duo take command as Jarek Jones rushed for 125 yards and two touchdowns while picking up 7.4 yards per carry and Ayden Johnson rushed for 196 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson has been hot , having posted two or more rushing touchdowns the last five times he's played.
Franklin's loss ended a three-game streak of away wins and brought them to 6-3. As for Smoky Mountain, the victory (which was their fifth in a row) raised their record to 7-3.
Both are set to take part in some playoff action in their next matches. Franklin is taking a road trip to challenge Statesville at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Statesville is coming into the match with three straight defeats at home, meaning Franklin will have to defend against a team hungry for a win. As for Smoky Mountain, they will head out to square off against Pisgah at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Smoky Mountain is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 27.7 points per game this season.
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