Another week, another dominating performance by the Franklin County Wildcats.

Looking for its second straight Water Keg rivalry win against the Connersville Spartans, the Cats scored early and often en route to a 54-13 victory. A 41-6 halftime score translated to a running clock throughout the second half.

FC had a pair of prolonged drives – both starting from its own 34 yard-line - to start the game, each culminating with touchdowns. The game’s first possession featured first downs by Carter Dozier, Quinn Gillman and Mason Wewe before a jet sweep play to Dozier netted a 4-yard score. The extra point kick was off, leaving it 6-0.

CHS’ offense was forced into a three-and-out. Gillman started the next drive with a 1st-down carry on a 2nd-and-2 play. Wewe bulldozed for 36 yards into the red zone. A pass completion to Braylon Kruthaupt ended with the ball on the turf; Dozier proceeded to advance the pigskin to the 5 and Wewe did the work from there. A sweep to Wyatt Bowling produced two more points and it was 14-0.

The Spartans’ lone 1st-half highlight followed, Kingston Otoole returning the kickoff about 62 yards for a score.

At 14-6, FC answered. Starting in enemy territory, the Cats got an 11-yard pickup by Dozier and a 1st-down carry by Gillman. A pitch to the left side for Wewe went for a 22-yard TD thanks to an initial block by Nate Schallick. Hunter Weartz’ kick made it 21-6.

FC’s defense pressured Connersville into another three-and-out and the Wildcats had great field position at CHS’ 41. Gillman took the snap and delivered a pretty ball to Kruthaupt on the first play from scrimmage, good for a 41-yard strike.

The guests gifted FC the ball back via a fumbled kickoff return at the 23. It was Gillman to Kruthaupt again for 23 yards, the latter’s second TD in an 11-second span.

CHS still was unable to gain a first down and FC started at the Spartan 40 after a punt. This time, however, the Cats lost a fumble. But the visitors had no offensive momentum and punted back. A long drive by the hosts appeared to net another score but Dozier lost the ball at the goal line after a 24-yard catch-and-run and CHS recovered in the end zone for a touchback.

Another punt ensued and FC had a very short field of 28 yards. Gillman sent a short pitch to Wewe on a sweep from the 23 and the junior took it in. Gillman hooked up with Jack Seals for the 2-point conversion and 35-point lead.

In the third quarter, Logan Troyer took a bad snap and turned it into a 4-yard TD. In the fourth, he connected with Weartz on back-to-back perfect pass plays to cap FC’s scoring.

FC (2-0) visits Rushville Friday, 7 p.m. The Lions knocked off Shelbyville last week, 28-7.

Wildcats 54, Spartans 13

C – 6 0 0 7 - 13

FC - 21 20 7 6 - 54

Scoring 

First Quarter 

FC - Dozier 4-yard pass from Gillman, 7:27. Kick failed.

FC - Wewe 5-yard run, 3:56. Bowling pass from Gillman.

C – Otoole 62-yard kick return, 3:46. Kick failed.

FC – Wewe 22-yard run, 2:05. Weartz kick.

Second Quarter

FC – Kruthaupt 41-yard pass from Gillman, 11:46. Kick failed.

FC – Kruthaupt 23-yard pass from Gillman, 11:36. Pass failed.

FC – Wewe 23-yard run, 2:02. Seals pass from Gillman.

Third Quarter

FC – Troyer 4-yard run, 3:14. Weartz kick.

Fourth Quarter

FC – Weartz 11-yard pass from Troyer, 7:20. Kick failed.

C – Otoole 27-yard run, :30. Kick good.

Rush yds - FC 238

Pass yds - FC 248

Total - FC 486

Stats: FC - Rushing: Gillman 4-38, Wewe 12-168, Kerr 1-5, Brady Brunemann 3-32, Troyer 1-2, Cayden Perleberg 1-(-3), Elijah Neumeister 1-(-4). Passing: Gillman 12-19-203, Troyer 3-3-45. Receiving: Dozier 5-74, Seals 2-22, Kruthaupt 5-107, Weartz 2-37, Perleberg 1-8. (From MaxPreps)