DISTRICT TITLE AND

The most anticipated game in Southeastern

Virginia is just hours away. Communities, schools, families, and popular

supercenters are buzzing over who is better Sussex Central or Franklin?

Who is going all the way? Whose the better back, Babbs or Rose?

Friday all those questions should be answered

in a game those hopes to be more than a hype and a display of football

excellence.The glamour of "Friday Night Lights" will

be evident south of Tri-Cities area in full force.

Several television and newspaper venues plan

to spotlight the rural areafor hostingtwo of the best teams in

Group A football. The largest crowd since Sussex played and won the

Division 2 statetitle gamein 1991.

Sussex Central is on a 22-game winning streak

and has pretty much cruised to victories so far in all their contests this

year. Franklin is on a streak of their own.Although

ahving won 8 in a row is impressive enoughthe Broncos streak of 4

consecutive shutouts is truly an eye opener.

Franklin, whose run-oriented style plans to

utilizethree-year starter and junior tailback Donielle Babbs to help get

over this hurdle. Babbs has accounted for nearly 70% of Franklin's

scoring this year and has exceeded over the 1,000 yard mark.

Senior Aljamont Rose leads the Tigers in

rushing and is a 4-year starter. Rose may finish his career as Sussex

Central's all-time leading rusher. He accounts for only around 40% of

the teams scoring this seasonwhich is a good indicator of others

chipping in.

Toriano Moody is a big contributor as a

kickoff and punt returner and maybe one of the state's best at that spot.

Darryl Stringfield has a big presence at wideout standing 6'5". Hisathleticism

may cause for defenses to have to double team him.

Antonio Stokes (6'3", 225) and Aaron

Darden (6'0", 200) will help out the rushing attack for the Broncos.

With Babbs getting plenty of attention occassionally these two can be very key

in picking up quality yards.

Despite having those excellent players, the

game should come down to the performance of the quarterbacks.

Wade Beale (5"11", 170)is the

senior who heads the Franklin offense and plans to have a better outing than

in the past versus the Tigers. Franklin has been using quick routes and

three step drops to catch defenses off guard. It will be difficult for

defenders to get to Beale in this one if Franklin can stay with short routes.

Senior quarterback Kevin Pierce (6'4",

180)has been the overlooked factor of why Sussex Central's offense has

done so well over the past two seasons. Pierce has great running

ability, strong arm, and size that makes him a D1 prospect. Franklin

will have a hard time when Pierce is in the shotgun.

Winning this game is very important for both

as the winner will be the Tri-River's district champion. Also, the

winner will very possibly get homefield advantage throughout the playoffs

until Harrisonburg. Sussex Central did not have that luxury last season

having played only one playoff game at home which was in the first round

versus Franklin.

The only way Franklin could still sneak out

homefield advantage if they were to fall Friday is for Colonial Heights to win

1 of their last two and Southampton to beat York and Smithfield. This

seems highly unlikely though. A Sussex Central loss without question

will give Franklin the homefield advantage as long as they continue in the

playoffs.

The Broncos have stated since August that on

December 11 that they will be playing for the championship. A direct

challenge to theTiger's who plan to be repeat as champions of Division 1

like Surry did 1998 & 1999.

The bottom line is Franklin must be able to

keep the game close after 3 quarters to have a chance and not be pressured to

throw. Sussex Central will have to jump on Franklin early with big plays

and force them to a seldom used passing game.

If Franklin can't establish the run then they

might have a long night.Difficulty will follow Sussex Central if they

can't sustain long drives and finish them in the redzones. Franklin's

defense has been especially tougher with less field to cover.

With so much talent on the field expect

plenty of big plays. This game should live up to all expectations!

************MATCH

UP*************************

(Advantage: H.S. abbreviation)

FRANKLIN

SUSSEX CENTRAL

Offense

SCHS

Defense

FHS

Special Teams

SCHS

Expect a very physical and aggressive

___________________________________________________________________________

Franklin (8-0) vs. Sussex Central

Kickoff: 7:30pm

Where: J.A. Semones Field in Sussex, Va

(SCHS)

Note: Arrive early if you expect to

have a seat

Directions:

From North & (West)

(take 460 east to I-95 South)

Take I-95 South to US 40 East

Go 7 miles on US 40 East

High School will be on your right

From East (Hampton Roads)

Take I-664 South, I-264 West, or I-64 East to

US 58 West

Take the Petersburg exit onto US 460 West

Go approx. 30 miles and make a left at the

traffic lights in Waverly (US 40 West)

Take US 40 West 10 miles and high school will

be on the left

From Franklin

Take US 58 West to US 35 North (by

Southampton H.S.)

Past Homeville at the blinking light

junction, take US 40 West

Go 5 miles and the high school will be on

your left