AKRON – Francis Marion High School used a power running game in the second half to wear down Akron High School 26-13 in the season opener for both teams at Akron Field on Friday night.

While the heat and humidity took its toll on both teams, it was the Francis Marion ground game that finally took control of the game. Francis Marion had 124 of 174 rushing yards in the second half, with quarterback Radge Turner providing plenty of offense.

Turner gave Francis Marion the lead for good with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Davron Richardson on the opening drive of the third quarter as the Rams marched 58 yards in 13 plays for the go-ahead score. Kenneth Mickens ran in the two-point conversion to give Francis Marion a 20-13 lead. Turner capped the scoring with a 1-yard in the fourth quarter, which gave Francis Marion a 26-13 lead.

Francis Marion head coach Javaris Jackson said persistence was the key to victory.

“It was a sloppy game,” Jackson said. “There were a lot of penalties and stuff like that, but we never quit. That was the key to tonight’s victory.”

Turner finished the night with 147 total yards and was responsible for three of the four touchdowns.  He completed all five pass attempts for 95 yards and added 53 rushing yards. He also left the game twice with cramps as both teams had numerous players treated for heat related issues.

“We just had to fight through it,” Turner said. “It was a tough, physical game.”

Akron led 13-12 at halftime behind the play of Quin Jeffries and Kion Taylor.  Jeffries had 128 rushing yards and left the game with an injury late in the fourth quarter.  Taylor ran for 23 yards and scored one touchdown.

Following a Francis Marion fumble, Taylor capped a 7-play, 50-yard drive to give Akron 7-0 lead early in the first quarter.

Francis Marion scored the next two touchdowns to take a 12-7 lead. Toriance Herring scored on a 16-yard run and Turner gave the Rams their first lead with a 1-yard run.

Akron answered three plays later with Jeffries’ 66-yard burst down the right sideline to put Akron up 13-12 at halftime.

Akron’s had three turnovers in the loss.

“The three turnovers were the difference,” Taylor said. “Both teams played hard. It was a tough game.”

Akron will open Class 1A, Region 6 play next Friday when the Rams host Jefferson Christian.

Selma Times-Journal Staff Writer Robert Hudson contributed to this story.