Seniors saluted as Seahawks close out season

The Walton High School Braves secured a winning season Friday night, and Franklin County a winless one, with the Braves easily downing the Seahawks 54-6.

Their ranks thinned by injuries and defections by some older players, the Seahawks fielded a young team, mainly underclassmen, who promise to be formidable in the years ahead.

Senior quarterback Gene Anderson continued to direct the offense, but his backfield of sophomores Adam Joseph, Dale Butler and James Winfield, and junior DJ Lane all showed that they had the drive and dedication to persevere despite a tough season finale.

An interception by Seahawk junior Dustin Putnal in the first play from scrimmage got the Seahawks fans on the feet in their brand new stadium in Eastpoint, but Braves senior Deron Hogans followed with one his own a few minutes later and the tide rose with the Braves from there on out.

Midway through the first quarter, senior running back Isaac Jackson ran it in from 8 yards out for the first score. Freshman kicker Alex Brack then nailed the first of his six extra points on the night.

Senior Tarrell Bramlet hit Jackson on an 18-yard touchdown pass with 2:07 left in the quarter, and a 14-0 Braves lead.

Jackson rushed for a 23-yard score a few minutes later, and Bramlet hit Hogans on an 8-yard TD pass, for two more touchdowns. The half ended with a 50-yard TD scramble from Bramlett to make it 34-0.

Bramlet went 7-for-12 for the game, for 83 yards, and carried the ball four times for 59 yards. Jackson carried five times for 58 yards, with Walton gaining 177 yards on 12 carries. Hogans caught three passes for 39 yards.

Seniors honored at halftime

 The halftime ceremonies, before a small but enthusiastic crowd, featured a salute to all the Seahawks seniors. On hand to receive accolades were Quanteka Croom, accompanied by parents Jeff and Cydell Lockley; Jamie Leigh Daniels, and parents Greg and Evie Daniels; Gene Anderson, with Charles Anderson; Tomilee Dowden, with grandfather Tommy Jack Massey; Jared Mock, with parents Mike and Debbie Mock; Steven Babb, with parents Fred and Tina Babb; Patricia Golden, with mom Jackie Golden; Kevin Beasley, with parents Peggy and Randy Beasley; Brittany Hunnings, with parents Carol Duval and Gary Hunnings; and Ryanna Lockley, with parents Raymond and Barbara Lockley.

The halftime ceremony closed with the crowning of Mr. and Miss Franklin County High School, Jared Mock and Alana Hutchins. Because last year's Miss FCHS, De'Iara Prince, is away at college, this year's homecoming queen, Jamie Daniels, performed the honor of placing the tiara on Hutchins' head. Last year's Mr. FCHS, Jeremiah Mercer, a student at Gulf Coast Community College, placed the crown on Mock's head.

The Seahawks got on the board near the end of the third quarter, with senior quarterback Gene Anderson sneaking it in from 5 yards out. Sophomore Erix Carranza's kick was no good. The Seahawks are still looking for their first ever win at the new consolidated school.

Sophomore quarterback Liam Miller threw two touchdown passes early in the fourth quarter, hitting senior Jack Nowling on a 7-yard strike and the junior D'von Campbell on an 8-yard hook-up.

Freshman Conona Tarrant wrapped up the Braves scoring when he scooped up an errant fumble at the Seahawks' 35-yard line and ran it in for the score.