GAME OF THE WEEK : Franklin Rings Up Wilson

Franklin Coach Armando Gonzalez’s motivation to beat Wilson was to capture sole possession of first place in the Northern Conference.

“The conference is the most important thing,” Gonzalez said.

Panther running back Octavio Verduzco had another inspiration: “I’m a senior and I didn’t want to lose the bell.”

The bell, a symbol of the Franklin-Wilson rivalry that is passed on to the annual winner, will remain at Franklin another year thanks to Verduzco’s three rushing touchdowns in the Panthers’ 48-26 win Friday night.

Verduzco rushed for 114 yards in 20 carries and scored on six-yard run and twice on three-yard runs.

Panther quarterback Jeff Deno and wideout Johnnie Sanders connected twice on scoring passes of 9 and 72 yards.

Sanders finished the game with eight catches for 168 yards.

Wilson wide receiver Buster Bradley, who had 121 all-purpose yards, scored on a four-yard run to bring the Mules within 34-26 with 6:24 remaining in the third quarter.

But Franklin scored 14 fourth-quarter points, including a 37-yard fumble return by defensive lineman Sergio Villasenor.

Records: Franklin 6-1; Wilson 5-2

Next week: Lincoln at Franklin; Belmont at Wilson