MARSHALL COUNTY 17, EAST HAMILTON 7
The star: Josh Franklin ran just seven times but gained 95 yards, including a first-series 71-yard run that set up the Tigers’ first TD in their 17-7 win.Up next: Marshall County will visit the Greeneville-Knox Catholic winner in the Class 4A semifinals.
It was fitting that the game’s final play found East Hamilton quarterback Nick Woods on his backside, sacked for the sixth time in a 17-7 loss Friday to visiting Marshall County.
As well as Woods’ defensive mates played, Marshall County’s defense was even better. The Tigers, whose last visit here in 2012 resulted in a smashing setback, got to Woods six times for 49 lost yards, but they also stymied the Hurricanes twice inside their own 30 and turned away East Hamilton at the 1 on the final play of the second period.
“They did some things that caused us to let some opportunities get away. They’re a well-coached team,” said coach Ted Gatewood, whose Hurricanes (8-5) surprised more than a few by getting to this quarterfinal. “You can’t miss those opportunities. They come few and far between in a game like this. They had great pressure. They brought pressure with their line and with their linebackers, and we didn’t respond well.”
The Tigers scored on their first possession, sophomore Kamron Hightower scoring from 5 yards out after a 71-yard run by Josh Franklin. The score came with 8:16 left in the first period and appeared to signal the makings out a rout.