Dennis Phillips publisher@robconews.com Robertson County News FRANKLIN — The Franklin Lions put together another powerhouse season in 2025, using a relentless ground attack and disciplined defense to dominate opponents week after week. Behind a balanced offensive scheme and a front line that consistently opened running lanes, the Lions cemented their status as one of Central Texas’ most efficient and explosive football programs. Across eight recorded matchups, Franklin totaled 4,391 rushing yards on 399 carries, averaging an impressive 11 yards per carry and nearly 549 yards per game. The team’s best offensive performance came in a 701-yard outburst against Lorena, while their lowest rushing output of the season still reached 270 yards versus College Station — a testament to their consistency. The Lions’ ability to control the line of scrimmage defined the season. Their powerful running game wasn’t just about big plays; it was about sustained drives and clock control. Franklin averaged 30.5 first downs per game, while allowing just 19.5 to opponents, building a first-down differential of +88 over the course of the season. This efficiency demonstrated not only offensive firepower but also defensive discipline, as opposing teams struggled to maintain drives or gain traction against the Lions’ well-coordinated defensive front. In terms of individual performances, Franklin’s rushing corps was among the most balanced in the region. B. Jackson led all rushers with 700 yards on 64 carries, followed closely by R.J. Fulton with 605 yards and A. Johnson with 592 yards. S. Januse added 541 yards, while J. Atchley rounded out the top five with 523 yards. Together, this group anchored a rushing offense that surpassed 400 yards in six of eight contests — a staggering display of consistency. Through the air, Franklin’s passing game complemented their ground dominance with timely strikes and reliable hands. A.J. Phillips emerged as the leading receiver with 285 yards on eight receptions, followed by A. Johnson with 83 yards and R.J. Fulton with 71 yards. While the Lions remained a run-first team, these receivers provided critical yardage when needed, particularly on play-action passes that caught opposing defenses off guard. Scoring was distributed widely across the roster, but a few standouts emerged as the Lions’ most prolific point producers. A. Johnson topped the list with 80 total points, supported by R.J. Fulton with 74 and G. Martinez with 61. B. Jackson and S. Januse also contributed heavily with 50 and 44 points, respectively. This balance in scoring reflected Franklin’s depth — any one of several players could be counted on to finish a drive in the end zone. Special teams played their role as well, with A. Johnson once again leading the way in kickoff returns, tallying 534 yards on the season. S. Januse added 119 yards, and T. LeBouef contributed 36 to round out the top three. Their efforts provided Franklin with valuable field position throughout the season, setting the tone for many successful offensive drives. From start to finish, the Lions’ 2025 campaign exemplified discipline, execution, and teamwork. The combination of a punishing run game, opportunistic passing attack, and consistent defense proved too much for most opponents to handle. As the postseason approaches, Franklin’s statistical dominance underscores what fans across Robertson County already know — the Lions are once again built to compete deep into November, driven by strength, speed, and the heart of champions.