For about 25 seconds on Friday night the Brookville Blue Devils laid claim to a Division IV playoff spot. But just as quickly as Brookville took the lead against the Franklin Wildcats, it all disappeared.

After falling behind Brookville 13-10 with 4:51 left in the first half, Franklin ripped off 31 unanswered points for a 41-13 win. The victory gave the Wildcats (8-1, 5-0 SWBL) their second straight Southwestern Buckeye League Southwestern Division title. It also solidified a playoff spot in Division II, Region 8 and possibly a home opener. It’s the first time since 1987-89 that the football team has won consecutive league championships.

“It’s the greatest feeling in the world,” said senior running back Chris Hymer, who unofficially rushed for 180 yards and touchdowns of 5 and 60 yards. “I believe in my team and I think we can pull out any game as long as we try hard enough.”

Coming back from a 10-0 deficit of their own, the Blue Devils led 13-10 on Lane Stevenson’s 6-yard TD pass to Wes Zellers with 4:51 remaining in the second quarter. But in a span of five offensive snaps, Franklin quarterback Luke Kennard and receiver Connor Stickelman connected on TDs of 62 yards and 1 yard to end the half. On the second play of the third quarter Hymer went up the middle, broke right down the Franklin sideline for his 60-yard score.

“We can stretch teams horizontally as well as vertically,” Franklin coach Rodney Roberts said. “We try to be balanced with the run and pass. It’s not rocket science. You take great athletes, you put them in space and you let them make plays. That’s all we try do to.”

Kennard completed 9 of 18 passes for 212 yards and three touchdowns. Stickelman finished with four catches for 85 yards and those two TDS and Jake Riddell added 60 yards and a 35-yard TD on three catches.

For Brookville (6-3, 3-2 SWBL), the loss likely ends its playoff chances. The Blue Devils entered the game holding the eighth and final playoff spot in D-IV, Region 16. Brookville finishes with Valley View (3-6) next week, but a win might not earn them enough points to play in Week 11.

Stevenson completed 11 of 21 passes for 122 yards and Adam Akalin powered the ground game with 93 yards on 11 carries.