Toccoa, GA — The stage was set, the anticipation in the air, and your 5-0 Lions made the trip to Toccoa to take on those rival Indians. Looking to improve to 6-0 for the first time in the history of the FCHS Lions, the Away team received the opening kick-off, and it was evident that they were in for a dog-fight. Multiple times they drove the majority of the field before stalling out in field-goal range and having to settle for three points. Explosive plays were, at times, offset by self-inflicted wounds in the form of untimely penalties and missed assignments. On defense, the Lions battled hard and played an opportunistic brand of ball. Multiple picks (including a pick-six), and pass break-ups highlighted their effort against the home team. However, there were critical miscues in the backfield all night which were highlighted by two key face mask penalties on a TFL and a 3rd down sack. Sloppy play characterized much of the night for the good guys. However, as sloppy as it looked at times, relentless effort and a business-like mindset gave Franklin the ball on offense, up 20-17, with under 3 minutes to go. Looking to ice the game, the offense got stuck in gear, and had to punt the ball away. Things were still looking up. The punt, nearly downed at the 1 by a great special teams effort, broke the plane of the goal-line for a touchback, and that left Stephens County with 80 yards to travel with 1:25 left on the clock. Unfortunately, fatigued by their strong effort all night, there were some of those previously mentioned miscues that helped Stephens drive down the field to eventually score with 9 seconds left. Their successful P.A.T. pushed the margin to 24-20 in favor of the home team. Franklin received the ball on the 20, with time to push for a last-second dagger. They drew up a deep pass, which sailed through the air towards its intended receiver, only to fall harmlessly to the turf. The play-clock expired, and your Franklin County Lions dropped their first game of the season. Your 5-1 Lions fought their tails off, and look to return to practice Monday afternoon with their thoughts on East Jackson. The team travels to take on the Eagles this coming Friday, October 3, at 7:30pm. Coach Holland and the team invite you to come cheer on the Lions as you have been faithful to do so all season! Go Lions, Go Big Green, and as always - #RTR!