The Franklin Football team had two players recognized after their Week 4 performances against Americas. The football team won 56-29 against Americas moving to 3-1 on the season, 2-0 in district play.

Senior Wide Receiver, Beau Sparks, was nominated for Dave Campbell’s Mr. Texas Football Player of the Week for his 16 catches, 177 yards, 3 touchdowns, 2-point conversion reception, 65-yard punt return touchdown, and 12 tackle performance. (Voting available on www.texasfootball.com/player-of-the-week-award.)

Then Junior Quarterback, Shay Smith, was awarded the Built Ford Tough Player of the Week. Shay had 320 yards passing, completing 24 out of 26 passes, 133 yards rushing, 5 total touchdowns.

On Franklin’s second offensive drive Shay and Beau connected for a 9-yard touchdown. Beau ran a slant route and Shay hit him for the first touchdown of the game to make the score 6-0. The extra point was missed but the two connected again on Franklin’s next drive to put the offense close to the goal line. They connected on a hitch-and-go play that got the offense 41 yards. Beau got the defender to bite on the hitch and then he ran up the sideline to catch-up to Shay’s long pass that put our offense at the 2-yard line. Junior Running Back, Jordan Morales ran the ball in to make the score 12-0. Beau and Shay connected again for the 2-pt conversion, Beau ran another slant and Shay hit him right on the spot to make the score 14-0.

On Franklin’s fourth offensive possession, it was capped off with another touchdown from Quarterback Shay Smith and Wide Receiver Beau Sparks. The play was all go, Shay threw it up to Beau who went up and got it over the Americas defender for the 8-yard touchdown.

Beau Sparks then had a 65-yard punt return touchdown to make the score 28-7.

At halftime the score was still 28-7, but on Americas’ first offensive drive to begin the second half they scored making the score 28-14.

On Franklin’s first second half drive Beau and Shay connected for another touchdown. This time, the play was shack where Beau runs the shallow route. Shay dumped it off to Beau who ran it in for the 20-yard touchdown to make the score 35-14.

Already into the fourth quarter, the score is 42-29 at that point, then Quarterback Shay Smith closes out the game with two rushing touchdowns. One from 18 yards out and 54 yards out to make the final score 56-29.

It was a great performance from the Franklin football team who played a tough team in the district. Shay Smith and Beau Sparks were the leaders of that game connecting many times for big plays to help the cougars win. If they keep the momentum, they will be a scary combination.