The Russell County High School Lakers (2-3, 0-1 in district play) fell in their district opener 38-28 on the road at Franklin-Simpson Friday night.

While the game was close throughout, the Lakers faltered in the game's final minutes allowing the host Wildcats to take control of the game. Russell County battled back after being down at halftime to take a 28-21 lead in the final quarter but Franklin-Simpson scored twice more to grab the district win.

Sophomore tailback Nick Britt had 170 yards rushing on 12 carries for the Lakers while senior quarterback Martin Cross was 16-23 through the air for 90 yards. Senior wideout Kerry Kingry had two catches for 30 yards and a score while Britt, Jeron Hammond, Taylor Hutchison, Lucas Whittle, Justin Roy and Blake Ellis all caught passes for the Lakers.

Defensively, sophomore Barton Mann led Russell County with eight tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble

Freshman Evan Fletcher and 4.5 tackles while sophomore Jalen Bennett had four tackles. Britt had 3.5 tackles and an interception while Logan Smith and Hutchison had two tackles each.

Hammond finished with 1.5 tackles while Cody Polston and Cesar Prudente finished with one tackle each. Freshman Matt Adams also came up with a big sack in the second quarter.

The Lakers are back in action at Finley Field on Friday at 7 p.m. against district foe Logan County.

The Cougars are coming off of a tough district loss to Warren East on Friday by a score of 26-20. This Friday's game is the annual Homecoming night for Russell County.