Ware County running back Tayshaun Franklin steps away from the tackle attempt of Appling County’s Jaiden Knight for a portion of his 149 yards in Friday’s 55-7 season-opening romp of Appling County in Memorial Stadium. The senior had three touchdowns among his six carries to power the Gators. Elsewhere Friday night, Brantley County fell 32-12 to Charlton County in its seasonopener in Caney Bay. Pierce County opens its season this week at home against Coosa Christian of Gadsden, Ala. See more on the games on 1, 2 and 8B. Photo by RICK HEAD