Defense sparks Spartans' rally past Franklin Co.

CARNESVILLE -- When they needed it most, the West Hall defense made its presence known Friday night in a critical Region 7-AAA game against Franklin County.<br /> <br /> The Spartans defense forced three turnovers and shut out the Lions in the second half to spark a 27-12 come-from-behind victory on the road.<br /> <br /> The win moved West Hall (6-1, 3-0 Region 7-AAA) into sole possession of first place in the region after Lumpkin County (4-4, 3-1) was upset 49-46 at home by Banks County (3-4, 1-2).<br /> <br /> Kwon Williams would lead the second half charge finishing with 109 yards and two touchdowns for West Hall.<br /> <br /> The defense and special teams also combined for a key stop and punt return to open the third quarter to provide the spark the Spartans needed.<br /> <br /> Franklin County was forced to a 4th-and-27 at its own 5 after an intentional grounding call to avoid a sack. Kwon Williams would then return a short punt to the Lions 18 and Cameron Millsap capped the quick, short drive with a 4-yard touchdown run for a 14-12 lead effort.<br /> <br /> The defense forced a quick three-and-out and Bradley Hodgson would boot a 40-yard field goal on the Spartans next drive for a 17-12 lead and then the defense became a ball-hawk.<br /> <br /> The Lions moved to midfield but the West Hall defense forced a fumble and Hodgson capped that drive with a 32-yard field goal for a 20-12 lead with 7:33 left in the game.<br /> <br /> Franklin County again appeared to be on the move but Tristen Hester intercepted a Phoenix Roberts pass and the Spartans went 62-yards in two minutes, with Williams scoring from 4-yards for a 27-12 lead.<br /> <br /> West Hall recovered a Lions fumble on their final drive and the offense would run out the clock to seal the game.<br /> <br /> In the first half, Franklin County controled the game with its offense. <br /> <br /> The Lions took the first lead with an amazing 19-play, 80-yard drive that took over 10 minutes off the clock. Roberts capped the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run for a 6-0 lead after a botched extra point.<br /> <br /> West Hall would answer right back with Kwon Williams capping a 9-play, 53-yard drive with an 11-yard touchdown for a 7-6 lead with 6:06 left in the half.<br /> <br /> Franklin County, however, took advantage of two West Hall miscues on defense, including a penalty on a 4th-and-goal that initially kept the Lions out of the end zone. But Roberts gave the Lions a 12-7 halftime with a 1-yard scoring run with no time left in the half.<br /> <br /> The Spartans were held to just 75 total yards in the first half as each team had just three possessions in the first half. West Hall would finish with 203 total yards, but it came into the game averaging nearly 300 yards rushing per game.<br /> <br /> <b>SCORING SUMMARY</b><br /> <b>West Hall</b>.........0.....7....10....10 -- 27<br /> <b>Franklin Co.</b>......0.....12....0.....0 -- 12<br /> <br /> <b>Second Quarter</b><br /> FC --Roberts 4 run (kick failed) 6-0, 10:32<br /> WH -- Williams 11 run (Hodgson kick) 7-6, 6:06<br /> FC --Roberts 1 run (run failed) 12-7, 0:00<br /> <br /> <b>Third Quarter</b><br /> WH -- Millsap 4 run (Hodgson kick) 14-12, 9:27<br /> WH -- Hodgson 40-FG 17-12, 0:37<br /> <br /> <b>Fourth Quarter</b><br /> WH -- Hodgson 32-FG 20-12, 7:33<br /> WH -- Williams 4 run (Hodgson kick) 27-12, 2:49

http://accesswdun.com/article/2014/10/280848