There were many factors playing for Franklin in its regular-season finale at Overlea yesterday.
A victory by the Indians would ensure them a spot in the state Class 3A playoffs as the North Region champions as well as first in the Baltimore County 1A-2A-3A League.
But just as important to Franklin, a win would give it the respect it felt it hasn't received at all this season.
Mission accomplished. Final score: Franklin 24, Overlea 6.
"Coach [Claude] Darr told us before the game that if we don't win this game, we don't deserve to be in the state playoffs," said senior quarterback Chris Demetrakis.
A loss would have put Franklin (10-0) on the bubble of qualifying for the state playoffs for the first time since 1988, when it lost to Overlea in the 2A quarterfinals.
The Indians will play an opponent to be determined either Friday night or Saturday afternoon in a state 3A quarterfinal game. Tournament pairings will be announced today.
From its opening drive to the game's final play when it stopped Overlea's Mike Forney on a first-and-goal from the 2, Franklin dominated on both sides of the line, despite losing right offensive tackle Bob Frey to a dislocated left elbow in the second quarter.
"I really didn't expect that type of domination on the line," said Darr. "We wanted to be somewhat conservative. Like the old saying, 'Avoid losing, then try to win.' "
Franklin appeared to be on its way to an easy victory, scoring on its first two drives. The Indians' first drive -- 14 plays, 72 yards -- was capped by a 3-yard run by Tyrone McCray, who rushed for 81 yards.
After an interception by Kenny Vialva at the Falcons' 21, Vialva (92 yards) followed his blockers on the right side for a 5-yard score. On the play, Frey injured his elbow, delaying the game for almost 30 minutes.
When play resumed, the Falcons (6-3) came out inspired, going 47 yards in six plays as Matt Davis hauled in a deflected pass off of McCray for a 34-yard scoring play. The drive was kept alive by a 7-yard pass from Steve Hernandez to Forney on a fake punt on fourth-and-five from the Indians' 47.
"We were able to move the ball a little better after the layoff, but for the most part, they dominated us," said Overlea coach Terry Ward, whose streak of eight state playoff appearances and five league titles ended with the Falcons' second loss to a county opponent in six years. "They kept coming at us and basically played our type of game."
Said senior defensive lineman Danny Johns: "That's all we wanted is respect. We haven't been mentioned in the papers and we're 10-0. This team is playing together, playing together as one."