Francis Marion High School was not able to overcome opponent Sumter County High School on Friday night.

“We’ve got to play better and play smart,” said Javaris Jackson, head coach of Francis Marion.

The first game of the season was away for Francis Marion and proved to be a difficult start because the team lost with a score of 40-6.

But this first game will not define the season.

“Tonight we didn’t play well because we didn’t play smart but we’re going to continue to get better,” Jackson said.

Key players for Francis Marion were Rade Turner who threw one touchdown pass, fullback Dementric Williams who rushed 15 yards and LeDarius Tabb who caught one 20-yard touchdown pass.

Scores by quarter are: first quarter 8-0 second quarter 32-0, third quarter 40-0 and fourth quarter 40-6.