Franklinton takes to the road tonight, looking to capture its third straight game in a contest against winless Pearl River in the District 8-4A opener.

The Demons (4-1), who beat Amite 39-13 last week, come into tonight’s contest red hot over the last two weeks since suffering their only loss this season.

Franklinton has outscored its last two opponents by a combined 99-19. The team has scored three defensive touchdowns in that time, and Azende T. Magee has run for 396 yards and six touchdowns. This season, Magee is up to 544 yards on 55 carries (9.9 yards per attempt) and six scores. He’s also made 11 receptions for 116 yards (10.5) and a TD.

“He’s got good vision and the ability to make big plays,” FHS coach Shane Smith said. “Those of us that have been around Azende know what he’s capable of. At receiver, he’s touching it seven or eight times a game. Now at running back, he’s up to 12-14. The O-line has done a great job. If they just give him a little bit of crease, he can take it the distance.”

Through the first three games, Franklinton allowed two of its first three opponents to score at least 27 points, but the unit has turned things around in the past two games.

“Our kids are becoming more comfortable in their roles within our defense, and they’re just playing more assignment football. We got a couple of kids back from injury, which has also helped,” Smith said.

Franklinton moved up one spot to sixth in Class 4A in the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Poll, and the team is second in points for 4A.

The Demons won last year’s match up against the Rebels 48-13.

Quarterback Michael Wilson has completed 50-of-98 passes for 779 yards, with six touchdowns and three interceptions.

Chandler Davis leads the receivers at 16 catches for 317 yards and three touchdowns. DeAndre Allen is second with 11 receptions for 222 yards and two scores.

Defensively, Martavius James leads the defense with 41 tackles, 29 solo and 12 assists.

He’s also recorded an interception and a fumble recovery.

Relik Wilson is second with 34 stops, 24 individual tackles to go with a team-leading seven hurries, and he has a sack.

Kobe Crain is at 28 stops with two for a loss, six hurries and a fumble recovery, which he returned for a touchdown.

Also for FHS, A.J. Calhoun has defended four passes.

For Pearl River, the Rebels are 0-5 this season.

Last week, PRHS lost to Varnado, 40-29. Pearl River is 49th in the Class 4A power points.

Pearl River scored just seven points in the first half of last week’s game but rebounded with 22 in the second half.

“We found a running game,” Pearl River coach Paul Beebe said. “Jace Littleton ran for 187 yards in the second half and scored two touchdowns. We had a long completion to Al Doss, which went for 60.”

Littleton is the Rebels’ leading rusher with 233 yards on 30 attempts (7.8) and three touchdowns. Devan Penton is just nine yards behind him and averages 4.2 per carry.

Pearl River has proven to be mostly a running team with 157 rushing attempts and 78 passes.

Zach Vicknair has thrown all 78 of the Rebels’ passes this season, completing 35 (44.9) for 427 yards with two touchdowns and four picks. Vicknair also leads the team at 28 tackles.

Al Dauth tops the Rebels’ receivers with 10 catches for 211 yards and both of the team’s receiving touchdowns.

Defensively, Beebe said end Jordan Cutrer and tackle Trever Fairchild are playing well for Pearl River.