WRENTHAM – Thanksgiving just means more.
People have echoed that sentiment for years when it comes to the traditional final regular season game. Franklin proved that sentiment to be true, after giving King Philip all they can handle in a hard fought 27-21 loss at a soggy and wet Mactaz Field.
The Panthers set the tone on the opening possession of the game with a ball control drive that was capped off by an Andrew Fraulo 34-yard touchdown catch at 6:50 in the first quarter. After forcing the Warriors to punt on their first possession, the Panthers would go on another drive that was capped off by a 2 yard Will Terrell touchdown run to make it 14-0.
It would stay that way until late in the first half when King Philip would go on a drive that they thought was capped off by an Andrew LaPlante touchdown. Unfortunately, the score would be negated on a holding call, making it 14-0 Franklin at the half. The Panthers held a 142-75 advantage in terms of yards gained in the first half.
The Warriors received the opening kick-off of the second half and they capitalized on the possession thanks to junior running back Keigan Canto-Osorio who broke free for a 38-yard rushing touchdown, capping a 76-yard scoring drive at 8:03 to cut the deficit at 14-7.
Warriors Coach Brian Lee talked about the importance of regrouping heading into the second half.
“I said, just get after it, we have to score. The boys responded. Once we got one — we’ve been down seven before, and it’s a more manageable situation,”
The Warriors were able to tie the score in the final minute of the third quarter, converting on a 4th-and-1 from Franklin’s 28-yard line with a 28-yard touchdown run by Laplante. Laplante finished with 18 carries for 118 yards and a touchdown.
After the defense got a key stop, the Warriors took their first lead of the game when Brandon Nicastro scooped up a Tommy Kilroy reception and raced the rest of the way for a 25 yard touchdown reception to give King Philip a 21-14 lead.
“He made such a great catch on that in the rain, … After that, it was a hustle play by Nicastro to get the ball and be where you’re supposed to be in case something happens,” Lee said. “It was a big play for us.:”
The Warriors would put the game away with 4:27 left after Will Bubluski would recover an errant snap by Franklin at midfield. Laplante would score his second touchdown of the day from 24 yards out to make it 27-14.
Franklin would cut the deficit back down to six on a Justin Bianchetto to Kyle Walsh touchdown pass with 1:11 to go. The Panthers attempted an onside kick but were unable to recover it, allowing King Philip to kneel out the clock.
With the win, the Warriors clinched the Kelley-Rex Hockomock title and they won their 25th straight game. They take on Catholic Memorial next Thursday night for the Division 2 Super Bowl.