Franklin Gets Big Plays to Stay Unbeaten

Franklin High is noted for its passing game, but the Panthers used a ball-control rushing attack and outstanding defense to defeat previously unbeaten Eagle Rock, 18-7, Friday night in a Northern League game before a turn-away crowd of 4,000 at Franklin.

Carlos Rodriguez returned an interception 99 yards for a touchdown and Dennis Reyes had a 75-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to lead Franklin (8-0, 3-0 in league).

Franklin quarterback Daniel Gonzalez completed only seven of 11 passes for 69 yards and a touchdown. However, that was enough on a night when both teams did all their scoring in the first quarter.

Franklin took control early, scoring on a five-play drive on its first possession. Gonzalez capped the drive with an eight-yard touchdown pass to Daniel Villegas.

Franklin scored its second touchdown on the ensuing possession when defensive back Rodriguez intercepted a pass by Eagle Rock quarterback Torwin Session at the Franklin one-yard line and returned it 99 yards for the score.

“The receiver went to the flat and I read the quarterback’s eyes,” Rodriguez said. “The pass was underthrown and I took it all the way.”

Running back Marrill Collins brought Eagle Rock (7-1, 2-1) to within 12-7 with a four-yard touchdown run with 1:11 left in the first quarter.

But on the kickoff, Reyes fielded the ball at the Panthers’ 25 and ran up the middle untouched to put Franklin ahead, 18-7.

Session completed 12 of 31 passes for 265 yards, but had four passes intercepted.