CLEVELAND — Talk about getting off to a good start.
Not only did new White County football coach Tim Cokely lead his team to a season-opening victory on Friday, he did so in style, as the Warriors walloped Franklin County 33-0 in Cleveland.
The victory equaled White County's win total from all of the 2016 season -- and it did so thanks in large part to a defense that allowed just 48 total yards to the Lions. White County yielded just two first downs all contest, those coming in the third quarter.
Meanwhile, the Warriors (1-0) new spread offense put up 237 yards rushing, including 126 yards on 22 carries from Kaleb Crane. Crane also scored two touchdowns, while quarterback J. Ben Haynes added 63 yards rushing and a touchdown to go along with 91 yards passing and a score, completing 11 of 18 attempts. Talmadge Sampson caught six passes for 64 yards, while Cody VerSluis hauled in the touchdown pass.
Brett Bardenwerper also connected on two of three field goal attempts, drilling a 42 and a 35 yard attempt, while missing wide from 51. His first two scores helped White County to a 20-0 halftime lead, as Crane and Haynes also scored to spark the Warriors ro a strong start.
White County will look to keep things rolling next week against Lumpkin County in Cleveland.
