NORTHVILLE vs FRANKLIN: Game Recap

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On Friday, October 21st, was the final week of the regular season in the State of Michigan, and for the KLAA… that means cross- over week. This cross conference match was the battle of the #2 seeds: The Mustangs of Northville (7-1) and The Patriots of Livonia Franklin (7-1). Both teams enter Fridays match-up with their solo losses coming to #1 seeded Belleville Tigers and Brighton Bulldogs. This game had fans beyond packed into Northville to watch this slugfest. If you missed it…. here's your recap.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the first, Mustangs started off the game with a drive stalling and forcing the black and orange to punt to the high octane Franklin offense. Franklin lived up to the hype and marched down the field by punching in their meal ticket with a 13 yard connection between Senior QB, James ”JD” Bates to his favorite target, Senior WR, Tyler Garrett. Northville answered on their next drive off the foot of Senior K, Sam Wiest, who banged a 44 yarder to make the game 6-3 to end the first.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the second, Franklin's work horse Senior RB, Cordel Mabins, got to work. Franklin marched down the field on their second drive, with Mabins punching in a 3 yard score to put the Pats up 12-3. With only a few ticks left in the half, Northville's Kicker, Wiest, number was called again… this time from 48 yards out… and the Senior split the up rights yet again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>12-6 Franklin at half.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the half, both team's Defensive Coordinators showed their knowledge of that game because the third was scoreless. Both teams had two drives a piece but ended with punts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the fourth, still up 6, Franklin got the wheels turning. The Patriots lined up in the double wing formation and pounded the rock! Junior RB, Jon Jasionowski, punched in a 9 yard TD. Northville struggled yet again offensively, punting back to the Pats already up 18-6. Franklin's Cordel Mabins got back to work in their last drive of the evening, punching in a 5 yard score putting a final dagger in the Mustangs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>25-6 Franklin Final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>KEY PLAYERS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cordel Mabins, RB Franklin 2023:</strong> 28 CAR 123 YDS 2 TDS </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mabins is an absolute beast in the backfield, a true 3 down back that just grinds defensed down with his 4 yards per rush average. Runs low, shows quick burst, physical, can cause a threat catching out the backfield, and most importantly… finishes drives!!! Expect some offers to start coming this dudes way as Franklin is set to make a run in the D2 post-season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tyler Garrett, WR Franklin 2023:</strong> 3 REC 44 YDS 1 TD 2 CAR 10 YDS</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This slot WR has the juice. Route are crisp, great hands, catches in traffic, poses a threat on jet sweep and is physical when asked to BLOCK!! With already collecting offers from Heidelberg, Siena Heights, Mount Union, Olivet, and Alma… expect those offers to continue to pile up, as Garrett continues to ball out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->