Franklin Travels to Roybal Tonight

Momentum is critical for football team at this point in the season.

The Panthers (4-3, 1-1 Northern League) head into tonight’s matchup against Roybal High School looking to build off last week’s 26-25 thrilling victory over Wilson high School.

Franklin put together commendable, solid efforts in its last pair of outings and if they play tonight with the same amount of passion and intensity that they have been, the team should pick up their second league win of the season.

“After the last two games we’ve told them that they have to raise it up a level, keep competing, don’t give up on yourselves, and keep positive,” assistant coach Erick Valadez said.

With three games remaining, it’s imperative that FHS closes out the season with victories to have a shot at playing in the postseason.

Roybal (1-5, 0-2) has struggled to notch w’s this season, but have been competitive in their losses. The Titans’ first four losses were by a combined 15 points, three of which were determined by three points or less.

They suffered  a 40-7 blowout at the hands of Lincoln High last week.

RHS comes into tonight’s game averaging 14 points per game and its offense is averaging less than 100 yards of offensive output in rushing and receiving.

BIG D

Despite playing slightly laxed in the first half last week, Franklin’s defense was a determining factor in the win over Wilson with two interceptions. One by Jaime Espana to seal the victory with 18 seconds left to play and another by linebacker Misael Tamayo, which he ran back for a score.

Defensive back Milton Zelaya, who tallied eight tackles against the Mules, was on the sidelines icing his leg during the first quarter. According to head coach Eric Jaimes, his leg had been cramping up. Valadez said Zelaya is good to go for tonight’s game.

Franklin’s defense should have no trouble containing Roybal’s main offensive threat in junior quarterback Kage Smith.

Valadez said, “You can expect anything from them, they’re a young team but they’ll still go out there, compete and try to win a ballgame.”