Robert Bailey (31) scored a fourth-quarter touchdown on a six-yard run to pull Shelbyville within two points on Saturday night at Franklin. (Post File Photo by Chris Siers)
STAFF REPORT
FRANKLIN — While they had to wait an extra day, the end result was worth it for the Shelbyville Central Golden Eagles.
After storms blanketed Middle Tennessee on Friday night and forced the postponement of their 2025 region opener at Franklin until Saturday.
When it was said and done, the Eagles (1-2) relied on key defensive stops and a fourth-quarter game-winning field goal from Jackson Themm to not only notch the first win of the season, but also claim the first Region 6-6A win of the year as well with the 15-14 win over the Admirals.
Robert Bailey had a banner night carrying the ball for the Golden Eagles, toting the rock 31 times for 158 yards.
Quarterback Stephen Bobo capped the first scoring drive of the night in the first quarter with a one-yard dive into the end zone, but the two-point try after failed.
That score held through the remainder of the half until Franklin found the end zone twice in the third, once on a 12-yard touchdown pass and a 53-yard punt return to take a 14-6 lead over Shelbyville.
But as the game wore on, the Golden Eagle ground game continued to wear down the Franklin defensive front and Bailey finally punched the ball into the end zone on a six-yard run, but again the conversion attempt failed, leaving Franklin in front, 14-12.
As time continued to wind down, the Golden Eagles finally broke through to recapture the lead thanks to a 21-yard field goal by Jackson Themm, which ultimately proved to be the game-winner.
In total, Shelbyville more than doubled Franklin’s offensive output, outgaining the Admirals 382-156 yards.
Shelbyville totaled 225 yards on the ground, while going for 157 through the air.
Shelbyville will return home for the 2025 season opener on Friday night, debuting all the facility upgrades to the stadium and field against the Independence Eagles.
Independence enters Friday night with just a 1-1 record after Friday night’s non-region game against Columbia was canceled due to area storms.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Shelbyville 6 0 0 9 — 15
Franklin 0 0 14 0 — 14
First Quarter
S — Stephen Bobo 1 run, (2pt. conversion failed).
Third Quarter
F — Joseph Panaia 12 pass from Ryder Gregg, (Jose Gonzalez kick).
F — Luke Thompson 53-yard punt return, (Gonzalez kick).
Fourth Quarter
S — Robert Bailey 6 run, (2pt. conversion failed).
S — Jackson Themm 21-yard field goal.