Andy Scheidler
sports@thefranklinpress.com
At one point early in the second half, Franklin’s football team had more turnovers than it did first downs against a stout Pisgah defense.
The Panthers managed only four first downs all game, which was one more than its turnover total.
Pisgah, on the other hand, had little trouble scoring and dominated in the 41-7 victory Friday in Canton.
FHS, coming off its lone victory of the season, dropped to 1-9 overall and 1-3 in the Mountain Six Conference.
Pisgah (7-2, 3-1 MSC) kept its hopes of winning a conference title alive. The Black Bears would earn a share of the championship with a win Friday against Brevard.
Franklin managed only one first down before halftime, which came on the opening drive. The Panthers would’ve picked up a second first down on the drive, but running back Evan Klatt coughed up the ball at the end of the run.
Pisgah scored touchdowns on four of its first five drives to take a 27-0 lead at the half.
The Black Bears tacked on a pair of TDs to make it 41-0 midway through the third, when FHS answered with its lone scoring drive.
Sophomore quarterback Chris McGuire hit classmate Grant Adams for a 4-yard TD, and Charles Trentham booted the extra point, coming with 30 seconds left in the third quarter.
Both teams substituted in backup players in the fourth quarter.
McGuire finished 5-for-9 for 28 yards, with a TD and two interceptions.
Klatt rushed 14 times for 54 yards.
Junior co-captain Seth Price returned to the gridiron after missing five games with a broken collarbone. He didn’t see many touches offensively, primarily playing defense. He recorded six tackles and rushed five times for 11 yards.
Senior lineman Gavin Riddle led the defense with eight tackles. Sophomores Daylon Henry and Devyn Blackburn matched Price with six stops.
Other tackling leaders were Wyatt Yates (five), Brayden Watts (five), Braden Cody (five), Gavin Awtrey (five), McGuire (four) and Ryan Craig (four).
It was the second year in a row Pisgah has beaten Franklin. However, the Panthers still own an 8-4 advantage under coach Josh Brooks.