Not for one moment did the Franklin Broncos resemble the big underdogs that many experts had them to be. And the champions on paper couldn't transfer the projected performance many expected on the field.

"We didn't worry about the blowout predictions from the newspapers and the internet." Head Coach Darren Parker explained. Senior Donzell Shearin and company proved that the Broncos have some pretty impressive athletes as well as they took out the highly favored William Campbell Generals 22-21 on a cool and cloudy afternoon in Franklin.

It started like the weather looked for the Generals.......gloomy.

With the ball first, William Campbell would move up the field with solid running by senior quarterback Baron Adams. Adams however would have a bad exchange that the Broncos would recover.

The karma from that error would come back on the Generals immediately.

Out of the power-I Shearin would look downfield on a roll out and spot Tyler Childress for a big 29-yard gain down to the Generals 1-yard line. Shearin would do the honors on a quarterback sneak to make it 6-0 Franklin as they would be denied the 2-point conversion.

The Generals would leave off where they were prior to the fumble by getting solid runs. Stanley Peerman would break a big run down the left sideline for a 41-yard game setting up an Adams stretch over the goal line to give the Generals a 7-6 lead.

William Campbell's faithful fans felt good about that and expected the team to take off but the Broncos gave reassurance they were in for fight as Shearin would race 18-yards for the pylon and he would get the 2-point conversion to make it 14-7 Broncos with 10:16 left in the second quarter.

On the next possession Franklin would finally have the Generals at spot where they thought would finally stop their offense. However, on 4th and 9 Adams would look to his left an throw a beautiful strike from 33 yards out to Terrance Younger to even the game at 14 apiece with 7:13 left in the second.

Both teams would trade punts for their final possession of the first half as there was little doubt that this game would be a close one. As the fans all mingled awaiting what halftime adjustments Coach Brad Bradley and the Generals would make. The initial result was quite pleasing for General fans.

With Franklin with the ball first the Generals defense came to life as the run would be completely stuffed. Senior Mike Barbour would break through the line and run Shearin down for a huge sack that got fans on their feet. Franklin would be forced to punt and then Baron Adams would give the crowd what was advertised.

Adams would fake out a Bronco at the line of scrimmage, hit a hole, and race 42-yards for an apparent General touchdown. Stanley Peerman would cash in from the 3-yard line on the next play. As the score would now be 21-14 as the crowd began celebrating as many felt the Generals had began to take control.

They had not.

On the next Franklin possession Shearin would spot Derrick Thompson in stride on a seam pattern in the middle of the field and he would go 70-yards for the touchdown. Elliott Bottoms would race to the corner of the endzone for a vitally important 2-point conversion giving Franklin a 22-21 lead in the 3rd.

"We have some great kids and an excellent coaching staff and we were focused." Parker added. "The kids played with great discipline and they executed well!"

The defenses would rule the 4th quarter.

The Generals would lean on Stanley Peerman for some nice runs to get them into Bronco territory. Adams would then go back to pass and would be intercepted by Donzell Shearin with 9:15 left in the game. Franklin would try to keep the ball to milk the clock and they looked as if they would be successful as Shearin took a quarterback sneak 55-yards up the middle putting the Generals on the ropes.

William Campbell wasn't ready for their season to end. Senior Austin Hoffman and the rest of the defense stepped up stopping Franklin at 19-yard line with 3:36 left to play. The eruption of the cheers from the General sideline and crowd was large as they had the ball expecting to drive for the winning score.

The Generals would face a determined Franklin defense who would limit then to short gains. Facing a 4th and 10, William Campbell was able to draw a Bronco offside making the 1st down a reasonable 5-yards. Though everything looked perfect as Adams fired to a wide open Peerman on a curl route for the first down. The ball would skirt right through his hands on to the ground and with that ended the Generals hopes to get their 3rd championship in 6 years.

Franklin would be aided by a face mask penalty and strong running by Isaiah Hudson to ensure there would be no more chances for William Campbell. The Franklin Broncos (11-2) were officially heading to the state championship again.

"We wanted this one and the kids went out and played their heart out!", said Parker.

Donzell Shearin rushed for 105 yards 2 touchdowns and he threw for 99 yards and a touchdown. He also made a crucial interception in the 4th killing a General scoring drive.

Baron Adams had 22 carries for 160 yards and a touchdown to led the Generals.

Franklin will face Clintwood (12-1) for the Group A Division 1 State Championship in Salem, VA. Clintwood was the runner-up in last years state championship game.

Parker added, "We owe all thanks to him (pointing up above). God is good!"

WILLIAM CAMPBELL 7 7 7 0 - 21

FRANKLIN 6 8 8 0 - 22

F- Shearin 1-yard run (run failed)

WC- Adams 2-yard run (kick good)

F- Shearin 18-yard run (Shearin run)

WC- Younger 33-yard pass from Adams (kick good)

WC- Peerman 3-yard run (kick good)

F- Thompson 70-yard pass from Shearin (Bottoms run)