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Thames scores 3 touchdowns, Louisville wins 21-7.

  Dennis Thames scored three touchdowns, two on interceptions and one the usual way, plus accounted for 172 total yards and lead Louisville to a 21-7 win over the Franklin County Bulldogs.  Even though Franklin County led in over time 29 minutes to 19 minutes to Louisville, 3 turnovers plus the two to Thames was the difference in the hard fought 3A championship.

  Louisville struck the first blow and never trailed during the game.  Franklin County took the opening possession and drove to the 36 yard line of Louisville when Collins of Franklin County threw a ball that was intercepted by Thames.  Thames escaped two tackles, cut right, got several good blocks and cut it to the middle, returning the interception for a 67 yard return.  The extra point was good.

  After a fourth down try by Louisville that came up short, Franklin County took over deep in their own endzone.  However, Collins was picked off again by Thames who run it up the middle of the Franklin County team for a 32 yard touchdown.  With the extra point good, Franklin County lead 14-0 with 11:01 in the first half and took this lead into the locker room.

  Louisville took no time in striking at the start of the second half.  Franklin County tried a squib kick that was almost recovered by the Bulldogs but the Wildcats maintained control.  Taking the ball in good field postion Henderson broke for 15 yards for a Louisville st down to the Franklin County 39, then Clayton Moore flipped the ball to Dennis Thames, who ran it down to the Bulldog 16 yard line. After a 5 yard encroachment, Moore threw a swing pass to Thames who cut straight upfield for a 12 yard touchdown. The Wildcats kicked the extra point, and with 9:59 left in the 3rd quarter, Franklin County led 21-0.

  The Bulldogs have strung together 3 first downs after the kickoff by the Wildcats.  In good field position deep in Wildcat territory, Alex Smith takes it 26 yards to the 14 yard line.  On third down and 9 the Bulldogs get hit for a delay of game.  Collins airs it out to the endzone but the pass is off the fingers of Jarvis King.  On fourth down and 14 Franklin County decides to go for it.  Collins gets rushed and tries to run for it but no soap.  The Bulldogs turn it over on the 14 yard line.

   The Bulldogs finally get on the board.  Damien Burnett makes a 22 yard run and the Wildcats make a touchdown saving push to get him out of bounds.  A 9 yard run by Burnett, then a 33 yard run by Collins brings a first down on the 7 yard line of Louisville.  After a one yard run by Collins to the one he carries it in for a score. The extra point good and Franklin County trails 21-7 with 1:22 left in the 3rd quarter.

  This was the last gasp for Franklin County.  They spend the rest of the game caught deep in their own side of the field.  The Wildcats keep up intense pressure and never give the Bulldogs a chance to score again.  Their last try ends with sack on Collins on the Franklin County 32 yard line with 2:53 left in the game.  Franklin County picks up one more first down and the time runs out with Louisville taking home the MSHAA 3A Championship trophy.

  Both Franklin County and Louisville end the season with 13-3 records.

-- David Shows