NORTH VERNON — Four total touchdowns from Jennings County quarterback Justin Rennemeier was not enough to overcome Franklin County at home in Friday’s sectional football opener.
Franklin County running back Mitchell Orschell had four touchdowns of his own and rushed for 239 yards to help the Wildcats advance with a 46-34 victory.
Jennings (2-8) was the first to put points on the board with a touchdown on the first drive of the game. Franklin County (6-4) took an 8-7 lead on the next drive with a score and 2-point conversion.
It looked as if the teams were headed into halftime tied at 14, but the Wildcats scored on a 20-yard pass on the final play of the half to go up 22-14.
Franklin County kept its momentum by scoring again on the first drive of the second half. The Panthers offense kept up with the Wildcats after that, but could not close the gap.
Jennings was outscored 24-20 in the final two quarters.
Rennemeier rushed for 35 yards and four touchdowns. He also threw for 112 yards and two touchdowns.
Brooks Wathen played both sides of the ball with 88 total yards and a touchdown. He also racked up multiple tackles and a fumble recovery on defense.
Chase Reason had 54 rushing yards and 64 receiving yards for the Panthers.
