By RayJaun Stelly, The Seattle Medium
The 2023 high school football season has officially arrived, as programs throughout Washington look to fulfill their aspirations of hoisting a state championship trophy at the end of the season. The Metro League’s Franklin High School opened their 2023 season against Lindbergh High School Eagles of the KingCo league.
Last season, Franklin, led by James Scott, Jr., finished with a 7-2 overall record and a second-place finish in the Metro’s Sound Division. The Eagles, with a 5-4 record last season, placed third in the 2A KingCo division, earning themselves a spot in the state playoffs.
With both teams coming off successful seasons, the stage and bright lights were set at Renton Memorial for Franklin and Lindbergh to kick off 2023.
Lindbergh would receive the opening possession and immediately establish their dominance offensively. Eagles running back Daymarion Henderson rushed for 30 yards on the first play, which was called back due to a penalty. Following the penalty, quarterback Tyson Glenn-Thomas dropped back and threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Eden Gilbert.
Despite the defense allowing a touchdown on the opening drive, Franklin’s special teams put them in important field position, credited to their blocking, and a 60-yard kickoff return by Bubba Banks. Although Banks’ return was significant, Lindbergh’s defense halted Franklin’s offense for four straight downs resulting in a turnover on downs.
Defense became not only the tale of the first quarter but also the first half. The Eagles’ defense didn’t allow Franklin to gain any momentum offensively, from fundamental tackling, not giving up extra yards, tackles for losses, and breaking up passes, Lindbergh managed to win at the line of scrimmage. Even when it appeared that the Quakers were set to score, the Eagles’ defense continued to get stops.
Leading 6-0 heading into the second quarter, the Eagles had momentum and looked to score again, but the Quakers had other plans. Franklin’s defense managed to keep their opponent out of the end zone for the entire quarter. Franklin’s ability to force turnovers on downs, false starts and holding penalties, and getting after Lindbergh’s quarterback courtesy of Kalifa Malang’s sack helped keep them in the game.
Both defenses combined for five turnovers on downs during the first half, with the Eagles forcing three and the Quakers two. The defensive battle between them kept Lindbergh’s lead to just a touchdown, as both teams went into halftime to adjust their game plan heading into the second half.
Franklin took possession to open up the third quarter, and just like in the first quarter, following a significant kickoff return, they found themselves with great field position. With the opportunity to tie or take the lead, an unforced error on a handoff forced a fumble that was recovered by Lindbergh.
Following the fumble recovery, Lindbergh needed only two plays before finding themselves in the end zone again, as Henderson exploded for another 30-yard run, and Glenn-Thomas finished the drive with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Armad Strasbaugh. Momentum shifted in favor of the Eagles, which led them to dominate both sides of the football.
With momentum on their side, Lindbergh took control of the game. Gavin Reyes intercepted a pass thrown across the middle of the Eagles’ defense, as Lindbergh started to methodically diminish the hopes of the Franklin comeback.
As the clock struck all zeroes, Lindbergh secured an 18-0 win against the Franklin Quakers, as they opened the season 1-0. Franklin, now 0-1, has an opportunity to regroup next week as they go on the road to face West Seattle.
Pictorial Highlights Of Lindbergh vs Franklin
