This season’s team is loaded for another run. Franklin (6-4 overall, 5-1 Southwestern Buckeye League Buckeye Division) returns a slew of starters to get them there.
Among them are three-year starter and senior Braden Woods at quarterback. Woods completed 62-of-136 passes for 766 yards, three touchdowns and five interceptions. He also rushed for 444 yards and a TD on 106 carries.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEWS
»Ross
Senior running back Gage Johnson (761 yards rushing, 12 TDs on 135 carries) and senior split end Ryan Russell (20 catches for 292 yards, 1 TD) highlight the skill positions. Senior slot receiver Bret Dalton (who played at Middletown Christian last season), senior Dylan Dirks and senior slot receiver Zach Johnson add depth.
The offense is bolstered by four returning starters on the line with senior left tackle Nick Back, junior center Cajun Allen, senior right guard Noah Stephens and junior right tackle Caleb Barnhart.
On defense, senior nose guard Nate Passmore and junior defensive ends Izac Proctor and Gunner Lakins provide pressure. Senior Jared Kremer, junior Charlie Webber and sophomore Pierce Bauerle lead the linebacking corps. The secondary is veteran with seniors Logan Willis, Aiden Kinser, Jett Tinch and Johnson.
“We talk about what legacy are you going to leave?” Franklin coach Brad Childers said. “This class has 17 seniors and all of them are involved in one way or another.”
Though the roster of 71 players is loaded with returning talent Childers said competition has been strong.
“We still have guys competing and trying to win positions,” Childers said. “But having returning players definitely helps. You have to get all those guys playing on the same page. That’s been our focus. Making sure everyone knows what’s going on so we can win that play one play at a time.
“We’ve been really focused this summer on not waiting. We can’t sit back. We have to be more of the aggressor up front early. We’ve put a lot of emphasis into playing fast. I’m really happy with how hard the kids have been working.”
Franklin started 1-4, including tough losses against Xenia and Bellbrook. The Wildcats rallied to go 5-0 with wins over Preble Shawnee, Valley View, Eaton, Brookville and Oakwood.
“We just couldn’t seem to find our rhythm,” Childers said. “We didn’t have an identity on offense. We were making too many mistakes that cost us from winning games.
“They’ve been on the cusp of seeing what it’s like when you make mistakes in a game like this. Play every play and focus on the moment has really been our thought process. Let’s win that moment. Win this play and worry about the rest later. They’ve embraced it. Our seniors have done a great job. They’re not an overly loud group. They just love to go out and play football.”
Franklin opens the season Friday night at Madison. Franklin hosts Edgewood, Xenia, Bellbrook, Eaton and Brookville. Away games are at Madison, Monroe, Preble Shawnee and Valley View.
Credit: DaytonDailyNews
Bellbrook won the Southwestern Division last season.
“I think the league is pretty balanced,” Childers said. “Every Friday night we talk about this. Every Friday night you have to show up. You can’t take one play off. One play could be the difference. One play changed our entire season last year when you reflect on 13 seconds could have changed everything from being undefeated league champs to hosting a playoff game. We really focus on the moment.
“You have to give it to Bellbrook as the defending champs. We’ve been in that position. You’re everybody’s target. Until that changes you have to say them, but I really like my team. I’d go to battle with those guys any day.”
About the Author