Patriots raise the bar by Matt Reynolds - posted Thursday, November 8th, 2012 @ 9:47 am  E-mail Story |  Print Story  To borrow from a Cameron Crowe film, "The sweet is never as sweet without the sour. And I've had the sour, which is why I can appreciate the sweet." This phrase personified the mood of hundreds of Franklin Parish fans as they had their own victory jubilee on the field at Ram Stadium last Friday night, minutes after the Patriots knocked off Bastrop for the first time in school history, 23-20. The win assured the Patriots the runner-up spot in the powerhouse 2-4A district and more importantly, a home game in the opening round of the Class 4A playoffs that begin Friday. These marks are both first-time accomplishments for the program born of consolidation in 2004. Freshly drenched from a gatorade shower, an elated Patriot coach Barry Sebren told his 8-2 squad after the win they had taken the next step in becoming a contender. "This is no doubt a signature win for our program," said Sebren, now in his seventh season as head coach at Franklin Parish. "It's been a long road to respectability, and tonight we have raised the bar." Franklin Parish (8-2, 3-1 in 2-4A) found itself in dog fight late in the fourth quarter, after an early two-touchdown lead vanished by halftime. ..... Photo Cutline: Jordan Jeter (7) picks off a Bastrop pass last Friday. Jeter also kicked the 24-yard-FG that eventually won the contest. (Photo by Matt Reynolds) For the full story, subscribe to the The Franklin Sun's NEW E-Edition!