CAEL HANDOFF — Indian junior quarterback Cael Bruno (5) hands off to K.J. Hawkins (21) in action against Timpson at bi-district game Thursday, Nov. 12.

— Courtesy Photo

BIG KICK RETURN — Indian junior Clayton Merritt (7) has a big kick return in the bi-district game against Timpson Thursday night, Nov. 12. — Courtesy Photo

CODY HANDOFF — Indian senior running back Cody Dickerson takes a handoff from quarterback Brink Bizzell against Beckville Friday, Nov. 6. — Courtesy Photo

DEFENSIVE STOP — The Indian defense makes a tackle of the Beckville quarterback Friday, Nov. 6.

— Courtesy Photo

K. J. EYES TD — Indian junior running back, K.J. Hawkins (21) takes a handoff from Brink Bizzell (2) and sets sail for the end zone against Linden-Kildare Friday night, Oct. 30. — Courtesy Photo

BRUNO SCORES — Indian junior Cael Bruno (5) pulls in a Brink Bizzell pass for a TD Friday night, Oct. 23 against Union Grove.  

— Courtesy Photo

K.J. RAMBLES — Frankston junior running back K.J Hawkins (21) picks up yardage against Union Grove Friday night, Oct. 23 as the Indians won a key district game 45-34 in Austin Stadium. — Courtesy Photo

INTERCEPTION — Indian freshman defensive back Kaymon Davis (10) leaps in front of a Hawkins receiver to intercept a pass in the Frankston game with Hawkins Friday night, Oct. 16 at Hawkins. —Courtesy Photo

FRANKSTON DEFENSE — The Frankston defense corrals a Carlisle ballcarrier near the sidelines Friday night, Oct. 9. — Courtesy Photo

TD RUN — Frankston quarterback Brink Bizzell breaks through the Carlisle defense to run for a touchdown Friday night, Oct. 9. Tyler Fridinger (8) throws a block at the point of attack.  

— Courtesy Photo

FHS INTERCEPTION — Senior defensive back Tyler Fridinger (8) intercepts the football during the game with Huntington on Friday, Sept. 11.     — Courtesy Photo

BRUNO CATCH — Junior Cael Bruno leaps high for a catch against the Winona Wildcats on Friday, Sept. 4 in a non-district game.

— Courtesy Photo

BIZZELL SCORES— Senior quarterback Brink Bizzell (2) scores against Timpson Friday, Aug. 28 in a non-district game.

— Courtesy Photo

BI-DISTRICT PLAYOFF

  Indians fall to top-rated Timpson

  in AA bi-district contest Nov. 12

The Frankston Indians football team made it to the playoffs in 2020 for the first time in almost a decade but drew one of the top Class AA teams in the state as an opponent.

The result might have been predictable, but not inevitable. Nevertheless the Timpson Bears displayed their credentials in a 66-7 bi-district victory over the Indians.

The Indians may have fared better had they faced a different District 10-AA opponent, since other teams in 9-AA had better results against their playoff opponents. However, those weren’t the cards that were dealt, based on a fourth place finish in final district results.

Junior Cael Bruno was forced into playoff action at quarterback when veteran senior signal-caller Brink Bizzell was sidelined due to an injury. That had a double impact. Bruno had been a favorite and leading receiver for Bizzell and the injured senior had led his team in rushing during the season.

Nevertheless, Bruno asserted himself early for the Indians as he ran for five yards and a touchdown early in the game to give the Tribe a 7-0 lead before talented Timpson could get on the scoreboard. Clayton Merritt booted the PAT with about eight minutes left in the quarter.

The Indian offense, led by Bruno, and effective running by junior running back  K.J. Hawkins, helped the Indians control the ball, and their defense held off the explosive Bears, at least for awhile.

Timpson came back to even the score at 7-7 and went ahead as the quarter ended 14-7.

Even in much of the second quarter, the Indians held the vaunted Bears to only 10 points, first on a touchdown and extra point to go ahead 21-7 with about a minute to go in the half and finally with a field goal to lead 24-7 near halftime.

Unfortunately for the Indians, Timpson stepped up their game in the second half, scoring 28 unanswered points in the third quarter and securing their winning score in the fourth with touchdowns with almost eight minutes to go and about two minutes left for 14 more points.

In the meantime the Indian offense struggled, and two turnovers did not help their cause.

There had to be disappointment among Indian players and fans, but, after all, the Tribe had returned to the playoffs after a significant hiatus and had shown signs of proficiency during the season which could have given them a better record had a few things been different.

Coach Paul Gould shared the disappointment but was optimistic about the future.

“We’ve come a long way, getting to the playoffs and being competitive in every game,” the coach said. However, he observed that the Indians still have a way to go in getting where the team wants to be.

However, he thinks “we’re getting there”.

Coach Gould said it is promising that most of the line will be back next year and there are some good prospects ready to fill the vacated spots.

He said he is hoping for a  better off-season next year, than the one plagued by COVID impediments. Despite the impediments, he thinks the team was fortunate not to lose any players or playing time to infection or quarantine by the virus.

Now, the Indians can concentrate on basketball and hope their good fortune with the virus carries over on the court at the Frankston gym.

GAME 9

Indians shocked early by Beckville

49-21 in final regular season test

The Frankston Indians were shocked by two quick Beckville touchdowns in the first quarter Friday night, Nov. 6, trailed 35-7 at halftime and were not able to overcome that first half deficit, falling 49-21 to District 9-AA runner-up Beckville 49-21 at Austin Stadium.

It was the regular season finale for both teams, both bound for the Class AA, Division I playoffs, Beckville as second seed and the Indians fourth seed.

As fourth seed, the Indians will be matched in bi-district with District 10-AA first seed Timpson (10-0), a team they met in non-district play and lost 68-24. That game is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Henderson. Frankston has been designated as the visiting team.

Things went awry on the opening kickoff for the Indians as they were unable to recover an onside  kick by Beckville.

Even at that, the Indians were able to hold off Beckville for much of the first quarter. However, the Bearcats were to shock the Indians with a 15-yard touchdown run with 35 seconds left in the quarter. If that was not bad enough, an Indian fumble, deep in their own territory, was turned into a quick touchdown by the Bearcats with only 18 seconds left. The PAT kick gave Beckville a 13-0 lead.

Beckville took advantage of their momentum early in the second quarter on a 70-yard run for another touchdown. A successful two point conversion made the score 21-0 with 10:14 to go in the half.

On a following Indian possession, Beckville forced a Tribe punt, but the low trajectory kick struck a Bearcat and the Indians recovered in great field position. Moments later FHS quarterback Brink Bizzell kept the football and raced 20 yards for a score. Clayton Merritt booted the PAT to give the Indians their first TD and narrow the Bearcat lead to 21-7.

The Indians’ hopes for a quick comeback were dashed by Beckville as they scored first with 3:39 to go in the half on a 40-yard run, kicked the PAT and increased their lead to 28-7,

Late in the quarter, Beckville scored again to increase their lead to 35-7 at halftime after a successful PAT kick.

A 15-yard TD pass play and PAT by the Bearcats further increased the Beckville lead to 42-7 with 8:27 left in the third quarter.

A seemingly aroused Tribe came back with 5:41 left as quarterback Bizzell ran for two yards and a score. Merritt’s PAT kick was good and the score was now 42-14.

With only four seconds gone on the clock in the fourth quarter, the Indians used the tough running of junior running back KJ. Hawkins to score from three yards out. Merritt’s PAT kick was good and the score was narrowed to 42-21.

However, Beckville was to score once more with 6:20 left in the game. The PAT kick was good and the Bearcats had their winning score 49-21.

The Indians had one more good drive and were down to the Bearcat 10 when a fumble, recovered by Beckville, ended their last try for a comeback.

After their win on Oct. 30 over Linden-Kildare, the Indians were assured of a fourth place finish and fourth seed in the Class AA, Division I playoffs, even if they lost to Beckville. However, at that time, Coach Paul Gould was not ready to write off Beckville as a loss. He pointed out some additional scenarios, potentially more favorable for the Indians in the playoffs.

After all, a win over Beckville coupled with a possible loss by Carlisle to Linden-Kildare could result in matchups with teams in 10-AA, potentially less challenging than the known quality of undefeated Timpson, 10-AA first seed and a team which had defeated the Indians in the season opener 68-24.

Those scenarios did not develop, however, as Carlisle defeated Linden-Kildare  42-12 and the Indians fell to Beckville.

Despite the challenging matchup with Timpson, Coach Gould is not ready to assume a defeat by Timpson. The Indians’ performances against most teams, since that earlier loss to Timpson, have significantly improved, notably barely missing a win over undefeated Hawkins, 9-AA  first seed in the playoffs.

GAME 8

Indians seeking spot in Class AA playoffs

with 40-34 win over Linden-Kildare

The Frankston Indians took one more step toward assuring a Class AA playoff spot Friday night, Oct. 30 with an impressive 40-34 victory over the Linden-Kildare Tigers.

The Indians impressed with 483 yards rushing and 153 yards passing during the contest.

Frankston scoring began as senior quarterback Brink Bizzell kept the football to run for a touchdown and later passed to Clayton Merritt for another score. Along the way Merritt booted an extra point,

The Tigers scored a touchdown  of their own and a two-point conversion.

At the end of the first quarter it was 13-8, Frankston.

The Indian scoring continued in the second quarter as Bizzell handed off to junior running back K.J. Hawkins who ran for a score and found junior Cael Bruno with a TD pass. Merritt kicked true twice.

Linden-Kildare scored a couple of times themselves to make the score 27-20 going into the locker room at halftime with the Indians on top.

The Tigers were to take a brief lead over the Indians early in the second half, going ahead 28-27. However Indian quarterback Bizzell answered with an 18-yard scoring pass to Tyler Fridinger to regain the lead 34-28 with Merritt booting the PAT.

Scoring in the fourth quarter was limited but Indian running back Hawkins padded the Indian lead with a TD run to put the Tribe ahead 40-28.

The Tigers were not finished scoring, however, as they put together a late drive to narrow the Indian victory to 40-34.

The Indian offense had a big night, led by K.J. Hawkins’ 267 yards rushing on 26 carries and two touchdowns. Quarterback Bizzell added to the rushing total with 207 yards on 13 carries and a TD.

Bizzell added to his total offense with 153 yards passing and three touchdowns. He completed 10 of 14 passing attempts and had only one interception.

Cael Bruno led receivers with four catches for 92 yards. Clayton Merritt caught two passes for 21 yards and a touchdown and Tyler Fridinger caught an 18-yard pass for a score. Kody Loebig caught two passes totaling 12 yards and K.J Hawkins caught one for 10 yards.

The Indians, now tied with Carlisle at 3-2 in district action, will close out their regular season Friday night, Nov. 6 against a formidable Beckville team which occupies second place at 4-1 in the district standings. They defeated Big Sandy 59-0 on Friday night. Their only loss came at the hands of district leader Hawkins who the Indians led until six seconds left in the game.

GAME 7

Indians take key victory 45-34

over Union Grove on Oct. 23

The Frankston Indians set the tone for what was to come Friday night, Oct. 23 when they returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown.

They went on to defeat the Gladewater Union Grove Lions 45-34 in a key District 9-AA football contest at Austin Stadium in Frankston.

The Indians needed the win to have a chance at finishing as fourth seed in the Class AA playoffs. Their win evened their district record at 2-2, dropping the Lions to 1-3 in district.

The touchdown on the opening kickoff thrilled Indian fans and surprised the Lion faithful, not to speak of the Lions themselves. Junior Clayton Merritt gathered in the kickoff, found a lane on his right and raced down the sidelines some 70 yards to paydirt. The junior place kicker then booted the extra point to give the Indians a 7-0 lead with only 12 ticks gone on the scoreboard clock.

The Indians were to pad their lead with 4:51 left in the quarter as junior running back K.J. Hawkins burst through the Lion defense from five yards out to score. The PAT try failed but the Tribe held an early 13-0 lead.

Union Grove was able to come back  to score their first touchdown and convert on a two-point try to narrow the lead  to 13-8.

Frankston increased their lead late in the first half as Brink Bizzell found Cael Bruno at the goal line with a scoring pass to give the Indians a 19-8 lead at halftime.

Both teams made things more interesting for those who liked more scoring in the second half.

In the third quarter, Hawkins recovered a Union Grove fumble and returned it 75 yards for a touchdown. A try for two points failed, but the Indians now led 25-8.

The Indians were to increase their lead to 31-8 as Kody Loebig scored on a 34-yard pass from quarterback Brink Bizzell to make the score 31-8.

Union Grove was to come back with two scores of their own, narrowing the Tribe lead to 31-20.

However, the Indians had their answer as Bizzell launched an aerial to junior Cael Bruno that covered 32 yards and increased the FHS lead to 37-20.

Union Grove answered with a touchdown to make the score 37-28, but Hawkins scored for the Indians and the two-point conversion try was successful to make the score 45-28.

Union Grove was to score one more time before contest ended, but the Indians had secured their 45-34 victory.

Coach Paul Gould said Bruno, Loebig and Hawkins excelled on offense and he praised the defensive line play of senior Juan Perez and junior Alex Oxford.

The Indian coach was glad to get the win and gave his team much credit for their effort.

Frankston now faces a challenge as they journey to meet the Linden-Kildare Tigers at 7:30 p.m. at Jack Hetherington Tiger Stadium. The Tigers defeated Big Sandy 52-0 in their Friday night contest.

Coach Gould said the Indians must stop an effective Tiger running game launched from a slot-T formation. He said the Tigers are big and have a couple of good running backs.

Defensively, they will try to stop the Indian offense with a split 6 defense.

GAME 6

Last seconds TD by Hawkins spoils

possible victory by Indians, 37-33

There was less than a minute to go in the game and the Frankston Indians had a 33-29 lead over district leading and unbeaten Hawkins.

Unfortunately for the Indians that was too much time left, and Hawkins drove for a touchdown, followed by a two-point conversion with six seconds left in the contest to salvage a 37-33 win on Friday, Oct. 16.

Nevertheless, it was an outstanding effort by the Indians against a formidable opponent and Coach Paul Gould praised his team for their performance which he thought was their best of the season.

The Indians played the Hawks close for the entire game, starting in the first quarter when they bounced back from a 6-0 Hawkins lead to go ahead 7-6. Senior quarterback Brink Bizzell completed a 73-yard pass play to junior wide receiver Clayton Merritt for the score and Merritt booted the PAT.

Hawkins answered later in that period with their own touchdown drive and added two extra points to go back ahead 14-7.

However, in the second quarter, quarterback Bizzell did what he has done often in past games. He kept the football, found an opening and raced 73 yards for a score. Merritt added a successful PAT kick and that tied things up at 14-14.

That was to be the halftime score.

In the third quarter, Bizzell went to one of his favorite receivers, junior Cael Bruno, with a TD pass. After Hawkins blocked the PAT kick attempt, Frankston was back in the lead 20-14.

Again Hawkins answered with a successful drive of their own but their PAT kick was good, allowing them to go ahead 21-20.

In the fourth quarter, Hawkins mounted another successful drive and converted for two extra points to widen their lead to 29-20.

The Indians seemed undaunted by that development as quarterback Bizzell passed to Merritt for a touchdown and Merritt booted a successful PAT, making the Tribe just two points behind 29-27.

On an ensuing Hawkins drive, the Indian defense stopped the Hawks.

With only minutes left on the scoreboard clock, Bizzell found Bruno open and connected with the junior for a touchdown. The Indians tried for a two-point conversion which came up short, but now they had what could be a winning margin 33-29.

Unfortunately for the Indians, the Hawks were about to protect their unbeaten record with a score in the last seconds and a successful two-point conversion for the 37-33 win.

Coach Gould had words of praise for his entire team in the game, but he singled out the defensive play of Merritt, Tyler Fridinger, Bruno and junior lineman Alex Oxford. He also noted that freshman Kaymon Davis had a spectacular interception to help the Indian cause.

The Indians have three more District 9-AA games on their schedule but Gladewater Union Grove comes to Austin Stadium on Friday, Oct. 23 for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.

Coach Gould said his team must play a game, free of mistakes, if they are to come away as winners against the Union Grove team.

He said UG likes to run the football and they have a good running back and a quarterback who is capable of hurting you with his passing arm.

He said Union Grove’s offense is very similar to the Indians’. Defensively, they have been utilizing a five-man front, he said.

They are coming off a 33-8 win over Big Sandy Friday night, Oct. 16.

GAME 5

Carlisle outscores Frankston 52-42

in District 9-AA offensive contest

The Frankston Indians displayed another offensive show Friday night, Oct. 9 but they could not hold off the explosive Carlisle Indians enough as the Carlisle tribe  took the District 9-AA win 52-42.

As in some of their past games, the Frankston tribe scored first as senior quarterback Brink Bizzell kept the football himself to streak to the end zone. The PAT kick failed but Frankston led 6-0.

Carlisle came back with a vengeance  reeling off 21 points during the remainder of the quarter and taking a 21-6 lead.

Late in the second quarter the Frankston tribe put together a couple of touchdown passes, the first an aerial from quarterback Bizzell to Cael Bruno. Then that duo switched roles with Bruno hurling a TD pass to Bizzell to return the favor. A successful PAT kick by Clayton Merritt on one of the scores narrowed the Carlisle lead to 21-19.

However, Carlisle was able to pad their lead to 24-19 with a last-minute field goal to end the half.

Starting the second half, the Frankston tribe took a 27-24 lead as Bizzell found Kody Loebig for a touchdown pass. This time they added a two-point PAT conversion on a run by Bizzell.

Carlisle was to erase that lead promptly on two straight touchdown drives, retaking a 38-27 lead.

In the fourth quarter, the senior quarterback Bizzell broke loose on another touchdown run. Another successful two point conversion, this one by K.J. Hawkins, narrowed the Carlisle lead to 38-35.

Carlisle came right back in the quarter to score 14 more points and boost their lead to 52-35.

Frankston was to score once more in the quarter as Tyler Fridinger caught a Bizzell aerial  and Merritt successfully kicked the PAT to make the final score 52-42.

Bizzell led Frankston rushers with 13 carries for 148 yards, including two for touchdowns. K.J. Hawkins narrowly missed another 100-yard rushing performance with 11 carries for 98 yards.

Bruno, besides throwing for one TD, had five catches for 77 yards, and a TD. Merritt caught five for 49 yards, Loebig one for 30 and a TD, Fridinger four for 44 and a TD, Hawkins one for 27 and Bizzell one for 36 and a score.

From the quarterback spot, Bizzell completed 13 of 23 for 197 yards and three TDs and was intercepted twice. Bruno’s time at quarterback allowed him to complete 3 for 3 for 60 yards and a 36-yard touchdown.

Coach Paul Gould also noted the defensive play of Fridinger and Merritt.

The Frankston team will be going to Hawkins on Friday, Oct. 16 for their next district test with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m.

Coach Gould said Hawkins will be a formidable opponent. He said that both their offensive and defensive lines are good and they have two good running backs. Offensively they operate from a basic Wing T with multiple adjustments.

Defensively, he said Hawkins likes to “load up the box” and features pretty solid linebacker play.

GAME 4

Indians, Paris Chisum stage offensive

show in Homecoming game Sept. 18

The Frankston Indians football team put on an exciting offensive show but lost to a talented Paris Chisum team 75-60 Friday night, Sept. 18 in their Homecoming game in Austin Stadium.

The two teams were tied at 14-14 after a quarter of play, but Chisum forged ahead to a 35-27 lead at halftime.  The Tribe outscored the Mustangs 21-13 in the third quarter, knotting the score at 48-48 but Chisum came back strong in the fourth period to outscore the Indians 27-12.

Fans might have expected things to be exciting when both teams answered the other in scoring almost every time they had the football in opening play.

Frankston scored first, going down the field and climaxing the drive with a stunning ramble by junior running back K.J. Hawkins who burst through the Mustang defense for a score with 9:18 left in the first quarter. Clayton Merritt’s PAT kick was good and the Indians led 7-0.

Chisum answered with a score of their own but missed the PAT try and the Tribe held on to a 7-6 lead.

With only about two minutes left in the quarter, senior quarterback Brink Bizzell kept the football himself and sped through the Chisum defense for a TD run of more than 50 yards. Merritt’s PAT kick gave the Indians a 14-6 lead.

Chisum was not to be denied, however, as they moved the ball downfield to score with 33 seconds left. They went for two points after the TD and knotted things at 14-14.

The Mustangs scored early in the second quarter and kicked their extra point to take the lead 21-14.

But the Indians had an answer, and that was running back Hawkins who broke free to score with 9:55 left in the half. Merritt’s kick was true again and the score was tied 21-21.

Back came Chisum with two more scores to go ahead 35-21.

However, the Indians’ first half scoring was not finished as Bizzell handed off to senior Cody Dickerson who threaded his way into the end zone for a score. The PAT try was unsuccessful, after a penalty, and Chisum had secured a 35-27 lead at halftime.

That could have been the score of a complete game some weeks, but there was more to come in the second half, leading to the 75-60 final score.

In the second half, Bizzell ran for three more TDs and passed for 180 yards total, including one second half throw for a TD to Cael Bruno. Bruno, from the quarterback position, passed for 22 yards to Kody Loebig and a TD.

Bizzell had 198 yards rushing on 12 carries. Adding to the Indian rushing total was K.J. Hawkins with 18 carries for 159 yards, including the two first half TDs.

Junior Clayton Merritt kicked four PATs on six tries during the game.

As an offensive team, the Indians had 472 yards rushing and 202 passing. Leading receiver was Bruno with three catches for 158 yards.

See Video Clips of Assorted Plays HERE

The Indians had been scheduled to play at Big Sandy on Friday, Sept. 25, but that schedule has changed. Instead the Indians  were expected to travel to Cumby for a non-district game with the Trojans, starting at 7:30 p.m. However, that game was canceled, reportedly around midweek and no replacement was obtained.

Unless the schedule changes again, the Indians have a bye on Oct. 2 and meet Carlisle at Austin Stadium Oct. 9

GAME 3

Indian defense keeps score close

but early errors foil Tribe 28-15

The Frankston Indians’ defense played an outstanding game but Class AAA, Divison I Huntington took advantage of untimely Tribe mistakes to take a 28-15 win at Huntington Friday night, Sept. 11.

The Indians were able to hold the talented Huntington team to an 8-8 deadlock in the first half with the only Huntington scores coming from early errors by the Tribe, Coach Paul Gould said.

On the Indians’ first possession, the Tribe was driving inside Huntington territory at about the 40 yard line when an Indian pass was intercepted by Huntington and returned for a touchdown and a 6-0 lead.

Then on the next possession, the Indians were deep in their own territory when the snap of the ball went awry, forcing the Tribe to recover the football in their own end zone for a safety and two points for HHS. That made the score 8-0.

The Indians evened things up in the second quarter as senior quarterback Brink Bizzell ran the ball in to score from about 15 yards out and then ran for two extra points. That made it 8-8 going into halftime.

The score was to remain tight until late in the third quarter when Huntington scored on about a 30-yard run to take a 15-8 lead, after kicking the PAT.

In the fourth period, Huntington was forced to kick a field goal to boost the score to 18-8.

The Indians answered with a 60-yard pass from Bizzell to junior Cael Bruno and junior Clayton Merritt booted the PAT to narrow the score to 18-15.

Huntington then scored on a one-yard run and added an extra point to make it 25-15.

Late in the final quarter, Huntington padded their lead with a field goal to end things with a 28-15 victory.

Coach Gould had much praise for the Indian defense led by linebackers Cody Dickerson, Justin Birch and Bruno. He also praised defensive backs Merritt and Tyler Fridinger. Fridinger had an interception, he said.

The Indian head coach said the Tribe had a chance to win if they could have eliminated the mistakes.

This coming week the coaches and team will be trying to correct the errors and prepare the Tribe for the Homecoming Game, Friday, Sept. 18 against Paris Chisum, a Class AAA, Division 2 team, a change from the previous schedule.

Coach Gould said the new opponent is expected to run their offense from the Wing T formation and will feature an even front on defense. He said Chisum is “big and physical up front”.

GAME 2

Indians handle Winona Wildcats

19-13 in second season outing

The Frankston Indians  bounced back Friday night, Sept. 4 with a 19-13 win over the Winona Wildcats in their second non-district football road game of the infant season.

The Indians used the passing of senior quarterback Brink Bizzell to receivers K.J. Hawkins and Cael Bruno to score three touchdowns which proved enough to reinforce a stellar defensive performance by the Indians, holding the Wildcats to only two TDs.

Ironically it was almost a repeat of the margin of victory the Indians had posted a year before against Winona when they won 17-13 at Homecoming.

The Indians’ first score came in the initial quarter when Bizzell found junior running back K.J. Hawkins with a 20-yard touchdown pass. Hawkins caught another Bizzell aerial in the second quarter, also from 20 yards out.

The Tribe put the icing on the cake in the third quarter as Bizzell found junior Cael Bruno open and connected with another 20-yard pass and the third tally.

Along the way, Hawkins booted an extra point to round out the winning points.

The impressive defensive effort by the Tribe was led by senior safety Tyler Fridinger, sophomore linebacker Jared Cook and senior defensive lineman Juan Perez, according to Head Coach Paul Gould.

The Indian coach was pleased with the effort of his team in this second appearance of the season, noting their great effort and improved performance from a week ago. He said Winona did pretty much what the Indian coaches and team had expected from their past performance so the Indians were prepared.

Frankston is now 1-1 for the season as they continue non-district play.

The 9-AA Indians will be going up against a formidable foe next Friday when they journey to Huntington to face a Class AAA, Division I team, coming down from Class 4-A which scored an unexpected victory over Shelbyville this week, Coach Gould said.

He said Huntington has good size and depth and mounts a spread offense featuring an outstanding quarterback who likes to throw the football a lot and a defense which loads up with a five-man front to stop opponents.

Coach Gould said his Indians will have to play an outstanding game to win.

The coach said the Indian junior varsity played Winona JV at Austin Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 3 and came away with a 12-6 loss. Scoring the only touchdown for the Tribe JV was freshman Ryan Harper with a 35-yard run.

GAME 1

Indians play close early but fall

to talented Timpson team 68-24

The Frankston Indians traveled into deep East Texas Friday night, Aug. 28 in their season opener with a traditionally tough Timpson football team and came away with a disappointing 68-24 loss.

The Indians, returning seven players on offense and six on defense, kept things close early in the first half and into the second quarter but Timpson unleashed a talented running game which turned a 6-6 first quarter tie into a 25-6 advantage going into the dressing room at halftime.

The Tribe managed to narrow the gap with three more touchdowns in the second half but Timpson broke on several long runs to amass 19 points late in the second quarter and 43 points in a big third quarter.

The Indians were led by a three-touchdown performance by senior quarterback Brink Bizzell (2), returning from last year. Bizzell scored on runs of 17, 34 and 17 yards. The  other touchdown was scored by freshman running back Kaymon Davis on a 7-yard run, ac-cording to preliminary statis-tics provided by Coach Paul Gould. More detailed statistics will follow later.

On defense, Coach Gould cited the performance of junior linebacker Justin Birch and senior linebacker Landon Bailey. He also praised the effort of the Indians overall.

The head coach said the two teams matched up pretty well on size but Timpson probably had a little more speed than the Indians. Both teams relied mostly on the run and their quarterbacks operating out of spread formations to fuel their offenses, he said.

Coach Gould said the coaches and team have high expectations for the season ahead and are working hard to improve their performance and conditioning, the latter limited by precautions sparked by the coronavirus pandemic. He said the game itself showed no signs of effects but team precautions off the field were emphasized.

The Indians will go on the road again next week, taking on the Winona Wildcats in another non-district game. Coach Gould said Winona’s offense relies mostly on the run and uses a 4-3 defense, much like they did in last fall’s FHS Homecoming game when the Indians won 17-13.

The Tribe goes to Huntington on Sept. 11 before coming back to Austin Stadium for the Homecoming contest with Queen City on Sept. 18.

They will be entering District 9-AA play against Big Sandy, Carlisle, Hawkins, Union Grove, Linden-Kildare and Beckville. The head coach said Carlisle is expected to be the team to beat for district honors.