MR. INSIDE and MR. OUTSIDE : Leuzinger’s Big-Play Backs Have Their Opponents on the Run

They are called Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside by opposing coaches, and the fear is if one doesn’t run wild, the other one will.

They are better known as Gregory Franklin and Anthony Jefferson, the two reasons why Leuzinger High (8-1-1) cruised undefeated through the Pioneer League and will face San Gabriel (7-3) Friday night in the first round of the Southern Section Northwestern Conference playoffs.

Although other South Bay players may boast better statistics, it would be hard to find two big-play running backs on the same team who complement each other better.

Franklin, the fullback, has powered his way to 723 yards on the ground this year. Jefferson, the fleet, elusive tailback, has added 607 yards rushing and is tied for second in scoring in the area with 94 points.

“There are no secrets about our offense,” said Leuzinger Coach Steve Carnes. “Franklin and Jefferson have to carry the load. But they both love to carry the ball, so they don’t consider it pressure.”

The pressure is generally on their rivals. Stopping Leuzinger’s formidable option play is not easy.

“They make it awfully tough,” said Hawthorne Coach Goy Casillas. “You might get Mr. Outside, but then you’ve got to get Mr. Inside.”

Mr. Outside is the swift and versatile Jefferson, who has run 10.7 in the 100-meters. The sleek 6-1, 180-pounder has 15 touchdowns to his credit.

Mr. Inside is the 5-11, 190-pound Franklin, whose hard-driving, stiff-arming style makes him a breakaway threat off right tackle. He also owns the reputation as one of the most ferocious hitters in the South Bay at his linebacker spot.

How much damage have the two done to opponents. Check out just a few of their highlights:

- Against Centennial, Franklin hammered his way through the line on the first play from scrimmage and went all the way for a 93-yard touchdown run.

- Jefferson scored three rushing touchdowns, including a 64-yard gallop on a sweep, against Culver City.

- En route to a 21-21 tie against Hawthorne, Jefferson returned a kickoff 91 yards for a touchdown. Afterwards, Casillas remarked: “It looked like Eric Dickerson out there. On that play, Jefferson had complete authority of the football field. Right then, he was a grade above all the other players on the field.”

- In Leuzinger’s 37-14 win over Miraleste, Jefferson took the opening kickoff 74 yards for a touchdown. Franklin played stellar overall defense, forcing a fumble and causing some seismic collisions with running backs Troy Jankovich and Mando Enriquez.

- With 30 seconds left in the first half of the league finale, Jefferson stepped in front of a Morningside receiver from his cornerback position, picked off a pass and outraced everyone from midfield for a key touchdown.

- Against Redondo, Franklin gained 97 yards. On a dramatic run, he spun and lunged and dragged defenders into the end zone from 11 yards out, sealing a 13-9 Leuzinger victory.

It may not seem that way, but Leuzinger is more than just Franklin and Jefferson.

“We’re not selfish.” Jefferson said. “Greg and I understand that we’re only two people. This team is one big, happy family. It takes 11 people to win a football game.”

Teams that concentrate too much on stopping Franklin and Jefferson usually get burned by someone else.

Quarterback Craig Manigo is a competent passer who loves to connect with his favorite targets, flanker Richey Jacobs and tight end Jarrod Mabry. And running backs Darin Whitmore and Danny Ika are both capable of springing a long gain while spelling Leuzinger’s top guns.”

Still, the Olympians’ success is due mostly to Franklin and Jefferson. Their offensive exploits can overshadow the rest of their game, but they are both also defensive standouts.

“They’re both good hitters. Franklin will spin your helmet around on you,” Carnes said. “And Jefferson will come up from the corner and pop you too.”

Since the two never leave the lineup (they also man all special teams), their big-play threat always looms large.

“I was watching the Notre Dame game on TV the other day,” Carnes said, “and the announcer said the yardage the Irish gain because their opponents won’t kick off to (Heisman Trophy candidate flanker) Tim Brown should be credited to him. They’re always getting the ball on the 40-yard line.

“It’s the same way with Anthony. Teams know that when he gets his hands on the ball, anything can happen.”

Most of that is due to Jefferson’s eye-opening speed in the open field.

In January, Jefferson will be part of the Sunkist Football 60 field, a sprint race to showcase prep football’s fastest afoot. He’ll run against Crespi’s Russell White, and Glyn Milburn of Santa Monica.

“Anthony loves to run outside,” Franklin said. “He’s so speedy it’s hard to catch him out there. If he turns his shoulders, the defense might as well say ‘Goodby’ and stop running.”

The dynamic duo didn’t start the season together as running backs.

Carnes moved Jefferson into the backfield with Franklin after the third game, feeling he would be more productive as a runner. Since then, the tandem of the long-time friends has been tough to stop.

Franklin says he relishes his role at fullback because if his blocking opens a hole for Jefferson, he’s done his job.

“We’ve been friends since the second grade,” said Franklin, who considers Jefferson a brother. “It’s almost like we’re twins. We’re always together.

“If anything was to happen to him, it would be like it happened to me. If he scores, then I score.”

Jefferson and Franklin could be reunited on the college field after graduation. Both of them would like to play at UCLA or Fresno State, although Jefferson also has his eye on San Diego State.

Jefferson said he would love to play wide receiver in college, but Carnes thinks his best natural position might be cornerback. And while Franklin would like to be a college safety, his coach thinks he could be a good fullback for someone.

Either way, Miraleste Coach Tom Graves is envious of Carnes.

“I’d love to have them both,” he said. “They’re both two super kids in regards to their football ability. They’re both big and strong and fast. What more could a coach ask for?”