Dennis Phillips publisher@robconews.com Robertson County News Franklin returns to the postseason spotlight Friday night when the Lions meet the Columbus Cardinals in a neutral-site playoff battle set for 7 p.m. in the 2025 UIL Texas Football State Championships, Conference 3A Division I bracket. Both teams enter with nearly identical résumés and championship aspirations, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated matchups of the regional round. Columbus arrives with a 10-2 overall record and a perfect 4-0 mark in district play, showcasing a disciplined team that has controlled games with efficiency and balance. The Cardinals are ranked 101st in Texas, 19th in their section and fifth in the state division. They have scored 399 points while allowing just 145, reflecting a defense that limits damage and forces opponents to earn every yard. Offensively, Columbus averages 33.3 points per game, with its strongest production typically coming in the second quarter. Franklin counters with a 9-2 overall record and an unblemished 5-0 district mark, building momentum through an explosive scoring attack that has overwhelmed opponents throughout the postseason. The Lions are ranked 95th in the state, 17th in section and third in the division, boasting a high-powered offense that has produced 604 points while surrendering 325. Franklin’s scoring average of 54.9 points per game stands among the most formidable in the region, with consistent output in every quarter and its strongest push often coming after halftime. Both teams are undefeated in neutral-site games this season and carry perfect playoff records so far, adding further intrigue to a clash where execution and discipline will be crucial. Columbus relies on methodical drives and timely defensive stops, while Franklin looks to control tempo through speed, aggressive play calling and sustained offensive pressure. The Lions have shown an ability to strike early and separate in the second half, while the Cardinals have proven they can manage games and limit mistakes. With both squads entering on winning streaks and district championships to their credit, Friday’s matchup projects as a physical, high-stakes contest with a trip deeper into the playoff bracket on the line. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m., and the winner will move one step closer to a state title opportunity as the postseason intensity continues to rise. Orangefield Franklin showdown turned into a statement performance by the Lions as Franklin powered its way to a 56-34 victory over the Bobcats in a neutral-site playoff matchup Thursday night, advancing with a dominant display of speed and execution on both sides of the ball. Franklin controlled the tempo from the opening drive, using a balanced offensive attack to build momentum and keep Orangefield on its heels throughout the contest. The Lions consistently answered every Bobcat score with quick strikes of their own, stretching the margin as the game wore on and asserting their physical advantage in the second half. Despite Orangefield’s efforts to stay within reach, Franklin’s efficiency and relentless pressure proved decisive, allowing the Lions to pull away down the stretch and secure the 22-point win. The victory marks another step forward in Franklin’s postseason run, reinforcing its status as one of the area’s most dangerous playoff contenders as the Lions continue their march deeper into the bracket.