Senior Spotlight, #42, Mitch Rossi

Today’s spotlight is on Senior, Mitch Rossi.  He wears #42 and plays several key positions for the Rebels, including Running Back and Linebacker.  Mitch has a brother, Jack, who

# 42, Mitch Rossi

# 42, Mitch Rossi

previously played for the Rebels, and a sister, Molly.  He started playing football for the Grassland Eagles as a Middle Linebacker and a slot receiver and quickly gained the respect of all the dads for his love of “hitting.”  Mitch’s favorite player is Luke Kuechly.  After graduation Mitch wants to go to the University of Tennessee and study Sports Management, and then he would love to coach at Clemson University.  When asked what his favorite FHS football memory is he answered “either double overtime win against Indy, or Halloween win at Centennial of my sophomore year.”  He cites Dwight Schrute’s quote as his favorite motivational saying, “I am fast….To give you a reference point I am somewhere between a snake and a mongoose….And a panther.”  

Here is what his parents, Tom and Deb want Mitch to know:  “Your enthusiasm for the game has always made you so much fun to watch.  From GAA peewee when you put on a spectacle playing during halftime at the Titans game, to calling plays during middle school football that led the coach to remark: “If I did not show up, Mitch could take over!”…… You have always given 110%.  Thank you for your drive and spirit….We Love You….Go Big or Go Home!!!

We have all LOVED watching Mitchie through the years and look forward to seeing all that he will accomplish.

Senior Spotlight, #89, Max Page

fullsizerenderToday’s Senior Spotlight is on Senior TightEnd, Max Page.  He is the son of Battle and Gina and has two brothers, Booth and David, that also played for the Rebels.  Max started playing football for the Grassland Eagles as a Defensive End when he was 5 years old.  He lists Derek Barnett and the UT Vols as his favorite player and team and he hopes to attend the University of Tennessee after graduation.   Max’s favorite motivational quote is “Leave it in better shape than when you found it.”  When asked what his favorite FHS Football memory is Max replied “the craziness in the locker room after a win.”

Here is what his mom and dad want him to know:  Max, you are wise beyond your years.  You rise to challenges and handle adversity in ways that make us so proud.   You definitely live by your favorite quote which is to leave things better than you found them and you make us better parents by teaching us so many lessons with your quiet faith.   We have loved watching you play football and look forward to seeing how the many lessons of football, good and bad, help to make you a Godly man.  

Senior Spotlight – #8, Wes Patterson

Today’s Senior Spotlight is on Senior Quarterback, Wes Patterson.  He is the son of Shawn and Mike and has a brother, Alex who also played for the Rebels.  Wes started playing football as a WideReceiver for the Franklin

#8, Wes Patterson

#8, Wes Patterson

Cowboys when he was in the 4th grade.  The UT Vols are at the top of his list when it comes to his favorite college program and his plan following graduation is to head to Knoxville and attend the University of Tennessee.  When asked his favorite FHS Football memory Wes said, “Being able to rally my team during the Wilson Central Playoff game in 2015.”  His favorite motivational saying is “If you’re not first, you’re last.”  

Here is what Shawn and Mike want Wes to know:

“Wes, your dad and I are so proud of you.  We love watching you play football.  We are excited to see what this season holds for you and your team.  Thank you for giving us so many special memories.”  

Love Mom and Dad

We are looking forward to watching #8 rally his team throughout the rest of the season!!!

Freshmen scrimmage pic Aug 5

Freshmen scrimmage Aug. 5

Flickr is almost certainly the best online photo management and sharing application in the world. Show off your favorite photos and videos to the world, securely and privately show content to your friends and family, or blog the photos and videos you take with a cameraphone.

Freshman vs Brentwood pictures

Freshmen vs Brentwood

Flickr is almost certainly the best online photo management and sharing application in the world. Show off your favorite photos and videos to the world, securely and privately show content to your friends and family, or blog the photos and videos you take with a cameraphone.

Senior Profile – #14, Jared Howell

#14, Jared Howell

#14, Jared Howell

Today’s Spotlight is on Senior Defensive Back, Jared Howell.  Jared started playing football for the Brentwood Blaze as a Running Back and Safety. He is the son of David and Elisha Howell and Kim Ely.  Jared says that Patriots player, Julian Edelman is his favorite athlete.  His favorite scripture is found in Hebrews 12:11 which says  “‘Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterwards it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”  After graduation, Jared would like to go to college and study sports broadcasting.  When asked what his favorite FHS Football memory is he replied, “Hopefully, when we win STATE with my boys!”

Here is what Jared’s dad, David, wants him to know:  SO proud that you have done so much with the opportunities that God has given you.  Also for choosing to follow Jesus.  He will make your path straight.  Love Always, Dad

We love to watch #14 on Friday nights and look forward to seeing him fulfill that “memory.”

Week 5 Game Summary Franklin v Ravenwood

By Maurice Patton

Shaking off an early sfranklin-ravenwood-game-summary-pic-1pecial teams breakdown, Franklin rallied with a couple of fourth-quarter scores to pick up a 21-13 win Fridayat Ravenwood.

The victory was the first in the series for the Rebels since 2011, as they improved to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in Region 3-6A. “In joking fashion, one of my assistants grabbed my back (after the game) and said ‘the monkey’s gone’,” Franklin coach Donnie Webb said. “I’m sure it’s the same feeling for the kids. We always felt we were as good as them.”

The defending state titlists posted the game’s first points, recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown with 3:18 remaining in the opening period for a 6-0 cushion. The lead was shortlived, though, as senior Mitch Rossi scored from four yards out to cap the ensuing Franklin drive and Christopher Miller-Hill added the extra point for a 7-6 advantage.

Carter Nelson’s 1-yard plunge put the Raptors (2-3, 1-1) back in front 13-7, four minutes into the second quarter, and the margin held up as the game reached intermission and through the third quarter – concerning Webb. “At the end of the third quarter, they had 60-something yards and we had 200-something, and they were winning the game,” he said. “We had too many turnovers, too many penalties and special teams (busts).

“The game had a weird feel to it. I never felt threatened that they could drive the ball on us, if we could just keep it and hang on to it and make some plays. I knew we were the better football team, but we were putting ourselves in a spot where we were about to run out of time if we didn’t make some plays.”

That sense of urgency finally took hold for the Rebels, as they converted a Ravenwood turnover near midfield into points when Rossi’s 8-yard run made it a 14-13 game with 10 minutes remaining. Wes Patterson added an insurance touchdown with his 4-yard run at the three-minute mark, and a Zach Polisky pick-6 was negated by an illegal block on the return but ended the hosts’ hopes of a comeback.

“I guess that’s how it’s going to be for us. It’s getting kind of old,” Webb said of his team’s third game decided by one possession. Offensively, Franklin wasn’t quite as productive as in previous weeks – finishing with 266 yards as Rossi (100 rushing yards) and Patterson (90 rushing yards) led the way. “Wes kept us going,” Webb said, as the Rebels did dominate time of possession once again, holding the ball for 34-plus minutes.

Defensively,franklin-ravenwood-game-summary-2 ends Barrett Brown and Conner Palk teamed for 10 tackles – five for loss – as that unit held Ravenwood to 119 yards. “We played ‘nickel’ the whole night and we needed to stop the run, and it was going to take those guys to do it,” Webb said of the pair.

With an open date looming, Webb said it couldn’t have come at a better time on the schedule as his team can get set for the second half of the regular season and solidify its Class 6A postseason prospects.  “Having just played Brentwood and Ravenwood back to back – for our kids, two rivals like that, this is a really good spot for an open week,” he said. “We can work on this stuff. We’ve got a chance to be a team on our side (of the bracket) to be reckoned with. I don’t think we’re great defensively, but I think our kids play hard. Offensively, we’ve been stopping ourselves.”

When the Rebels do return to play, they’ll do so with three of their final five games at home, including a Thursday matchup with Wilson Central in Week 8.  “It’s all region games from here,” Webb said. “I know we all make the playoffs, but it still matters to have those playoff games at home. In the first two rounds, the home team wins a high percentage of those. So that’s our goal.”

                For more from veteran Midstate sports writer Maurice Patton…

go to mopattonsports.com.

Clearing the ‘Woods: Rebels over Ravenwood 21-13

This game took full effort from Everyone on the team.
This album is more than highlights!
Enjoy it….even if it’ll take a while.
-PDaddyPix

Clearing the ‘Woods: Rebels over Ravenwood 21-13

Flickr is almost certainly the best online photo management and sharing application in the world. Show off your favorite photos and videos to the world, securely and privately show content to your friends and family, or blog the photos and videos you take with a cameraphone.

Senior Spotlight – #51, Will Stucki

#51, Will Stucki

Will Stucki #51

Today’s Senior Spotlight is on Defensive Lineman, Will Stucki.  Will started playing football for the Grassland Eagles as a Linebacker, and now wears number 51 for the Rebels.  He enjoys watching the Tennessee Titans and Vanderbilt.  When asked what his favorite FHS Football memory was, Will said that “doing hitting drills in the pouring down rain was fun.”  After graduation next spring he would like to go to college and become a trauma doctor and is also looking into doing a mission for his church.  His favorite motivational saying is, “That which we persist in doing becomes easier.  The nature hasn’t changed.  The power to do increases.”  

Will’s Parents want him to know this as he enjoys his senior year:

 Ruthie Carbow – We are so proud of you.  You are our sunshine on a stark cloudy day.  We love you more than anything in the world, (to the moon and back).  You can do anything you put your mind to, so enjoy your path my son and do great things.

Doug and Lori Stucki – Your family is so proud of you and your accomplishments!  You are smart, funny, sweet, and loving.  You are respectful and serve the Lord!  We love you and can’t wait to see you do great and amazing things!

We have loved watching Will play through the years and look forward to watching his this season.

 

Senior Spotlight – #46, Ian Jennings

Senior Defensive Lineman, Ian Jennings

Senior Defensive Lineman, Ian Jennings

Today’s Senior Spotlight is on Senior, Defensive Lineman, Ian Jennings.  Ian is the son of Kane and Laura and brother to Rebel Fan, Lily.  He started playing football for the Franklin Cowboys, playing Offensive Tackle and Defensive End, and now wears #46 for the Rebels.    Ian is a big Auburn fan and lists Cam Newton as his favorite player.  His favorite FHS Football memory is “beating Independence in overtime and running out on the field.”  Ian won the Academic Award at last year’s football banquet and after graduation wants to go to college and hopes to become a college professor.   His favorite motivational saying is “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.”  Charles Swindoll

Kane and Laura wrote these things to Ian:  “From the miracle baby you were to the outstanding young man you have become, we are proud of you every day.”

We are enjoying watching #46 on the field this year and look forward to following him after graduation.

Week 4 Game Summary Franklin v Brentwood

By Maurice Patton

Overcoming a rough start, Franklin achieved a rare feat Friday night with its 41-7 win over visiting Brentwood.

“There are not many senior classes here that can say they didn’t lose to Brentwood,” coach Donnie Webb said after his Rebels committed three fumbles on their opening three possessions and trailed 7-0 midway through ff-brentwood-summary-pic-1the opening quarter but rallied to improve to 3-1.

“We told them this week, they had an opportunity to do something very few people have done – certainly not since I’ve been here.”

After struggling to close their initial two outings, the Rebels have outscored their last two opponents 69-13. Carter Hendry’s 46-yard pass to Alex Gaca just before the end of the first quarter tied the game, and Franklin never let up on either side of the ball.

“It really did get away from (Brentwood) once we got it rolling offensively,” Webb said after the Rebels amassed 466 total yards and a season high in points. “We got that first touchdown to tie it up, and from that point on, we weren’t only matching their intensity – I thought we were being the aggressor. We were being a little more physical than they were. We were getting more than one hat to the football defensively. There was a sense of urgency.

“I know we’ve challenged them. I don’t think we’d practiced very well (earlier), and I think that was showing up on Friday nights, losing focus, not finishing. I think our senior class finally decided they needed to be the leaders of the football team and took a step forward with that.”

Wes Patterson threw for two more scores – one each to J.P. Batarseh and Gaca – with Mitch Rosff-brentwood-summary-pic-2si and Gentry Neese adding rushing touchdowns and Christopher Miller-Hill connecting on a pair of field goals.

Rossi just missed the 100-yard mark for the second straight week, finishing with a team-high 97 on nine carries. He now has 431 rushing yards in four games.

Brentwood (1-3) finished with 163 offensive yards in losing its second straight game, as well as its fourth in the series.

Franklin returns to Region 3-6A play Friday with a trip to Ravenwood (2-2, 1-0).

“The motivation ought to be there for us,” Webb said of the upco ming matchup against the reigning state champions. “It’s a region game, and we’re going from a team our seniors have never lost to, to one they’ve never beaten.”

                For more from veteran Midstate sports writer Maurice Patton…

go to mopattonsports.com

Senior Spotlight – #74 Offensive/Defensive Lineman, Ben McLendon

Today’s Spotlight is on Senior, Ben Mclendon.  Ben wears #74 and plays on both the offensive and defensive lines for the Rebels.  He started playing on the offensive line for the Franklin Cowboys and says that starting in his first varsity game is his favorite FHS Football memory.  Ben’s favorite player is Arizona Safety, Tyrann

#74, Ben McLendon

#74, Ben McLendon

Mathieu.  When asked what his favorite motivational saying is, Ben likes “We are going to be alright.” or “We gon be alright.”  His plan after graduation is to go to UTK.

Here is what Ben’s mom and dad, Dana and Amy want him to know:  We are proud of your strength and commitment to your team and the way you’ve always come back from injuries.  Most of all we are proud of you becoming a strong young man inside and out.  Love, Mom and Dad.  

All of us have loved watching #74 through the years and look forward to seeing him this season, as well.

Senior Spotlight – #21, Seth Wilkes

#21, Seth Wilkes

#21, Seth Wilkes

Today’s Senior Spotlight is on #21, Defensive Back, Seth Wilkes.  He is the second oldest of the Wilkes clan.  Younger brother, Luke, also plays for the Rebels wearing #19.  Seth started playing football eight years ago as a defensive lineman for the Bluffton Bulldogs.  He is a huge sports fan and cheers for the UT Vols and hopes to attend UTK when he graduates.  He also competes on the Franklin High School wrestling team and the Harpeth Harlequins Rugby team.  When asked what his favorite FHS Football memory is, Seth cites the 2014 win over Independence.  His favorite motivational saying is “Do right, do your best, treat others as you want to be treated.”  

Seth’s parents are Robin and Angela and here is what they want Seth to know:  We are so blessed to be able to watch you grow and mature over the last 17 years.  You’ve always worked hard to be a great son, brother, and friend to those around you, and we look forward to seeing what the future has in store for you.  

Franklin Football is also looking forward to watching #21 this season!!!

Week 3 Game Summary Franklin v Overton

By Maurice Patton

After going to the wire in their first two outings, the Franklin Rebels decided things relatively early Friday to open Region 3-6A play with a 28-6 win at Overton.

Quarterbacks Carter Hendry and Wes Patterson combined to account for all four touchdowns as the visiFraklin Overton Game Summary tors broke on top, led 14-0 at halftime and rolled up 502 offensive yards while holding the ball for three-quarters of the game.

“If we think we’re a team that can compete for our region, we needed to play well in that first (game) and play from the lead instead of playing from behind,” coach Donnie Webb said after his team forced three interceptions – two by Jared Howell – to win the turnover battle and avenge a 41-20 homefield loss to the Bobcats from a year ago.

Putting an opponent away was a point of emphasis for the Rebel coaching staff after dropping a 28-24 decision to Centennial in the opener and nearly suffering the same fate in last week’s 27-20 win over host Riverdale.

“As we started looking at film and at what was causing (the late-game issues), it was really Franklin problems – turnovers, penalties, not something that was forced upon us,” Webb said. “We stressed that we needed to clean up the part of football that Franklin plays.”

Two offensive twists contributed to Friday’s result, as Overton made moves to limit running back Mitch Rossi’s touches while the visitors tried to take advantage of Overton’s numbers on defense.

Hendry (92 rushing yards) and Patterson combined for 156 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. Rossi came up just short of his third 100-yard performance, finishing with 95 on 22 attempts, but caught two passes, both for scores.

“They were tryinFraklin OVerton Summary 2g to take him away,” Webb said of Rossi. “That’s just part of the option.

“What was very unlike us was, we went no-huddle. We normally want to slow the game down, but they had so many (playing) both ways that we felt that was better for us as long as we could be successful with it.”

Defensively, Franklin avoided trouble early when a 71-yard Taverius Travis scoring run was called back for a penalty. On the night, the Rebels allowed just 108 yards, with Overton (1-2, 0-1) picking up its only score on a Theo Jackson 5-yard third-quarter run.

“I thought we did a really good job on all but one play,” Webb said. “We didn’t have our leverage right. We’ve got to be perfect against kids faster than us. They took it to the house; we were fortunate. But we played really aggressive defensively. We had several people to the ball.”

Next up for the Rebels is a visit from Brentwood (1-2) in non-region play.

“I’ve been a part of many of those games, as an assistant and as head coach,” Webb said. “Many years we played each other twice. It doesn’t matter, the records of either team. All that needs to be said is ‘Brentwood’. We’re both 0-0, and it’ll be a brawl from start to finish.

“We’ve got to enjoy Overton, but this is definitely Brentwood week.”

                For more from veteran Midstate sports writer Maurice Patton…

go to mopattonsports.com.

 

FHS over Overton 28-6

The Bobcats tried to scratch at the Rebels (facemasks included) but they couldn’t stop the relentless Rebel wave from smashing onto their beach; and walking away with a 28-6 victory! Keep up the great work Rebs! We’re proud of your team effort and super excited about what you’ll do to the Bruins this week!

(the opinions expressed here are not necessarily the official opinions of the Franklin Quarterback Club. They probably are..but let the pictures speak for themselves)

LETS GO REBELS THIS IS OUR YEAR!!

FHS vs Overton HIGHLIGHTS

Flickr is almost certainly the best online photo management and sharing application in the world. Show off your favorite photos and videos to the world, securely and privately show content to your friends and family, or blog the photos and videos you take with a cameraphone.

Senior Spotlight – #32 – Zach Polisky

#32, Zach Polisky

#32, Zach Polisky

Today’s Senior Spotlight is on Linebacker, Zach Polisky.  Zach wears #32 for the Rebels and began playing football at the age of 5 for the Franklin Cowboys as a safety and running back.  He has continued to play since age 5 and “lives, eats, and breathes FOOTBALL.”  Marcus Dupree and Eric Berry are Zach’s favorite players and he likes this motivational saying, “If you ain’t first, you’re last.”  When asked his favorite FHS Football memory, here’s what Zach recounts, “McGavock game at home last year:  Causes a fumble, which is then recovered  by Mitch Rossi late in the 4th quarter.  Setting up Alex Gaca to score the very next play to win the game.”  After graduating, Zach wants to go to college and study either Architecture or Sports Medicine.

Here is what Zach’s parents, Joelle and Will, want him to know:  We are so proud to be your parents and even more proud of the man you are becoming!  Your strength on and off the field, dedication to your school work, and friends is admirable.  Whether football or anything you do in life – have fun, work hard and We Love You!!!

 

Senior Spotlight – #30 Maddox Burgess

#30, Maddox Burgess

#30, Maddox Burgess

Today our Spotlight is on H-Back and Line-Backer, #30 Maddox Burgess.  He is the oldest son of Craig and Jan and has two younger brothers, one of which is on our Freshmen Rebel Team.  Maddox started playing football as the Center for the Franklin Cowboys.  Clay Matthews is his favorite player and he counts the unveiling of the grey jerseys during his freshmen year as one of his favorite football memories.  Maddox also noted that we beat Brentwood that night so it was a great night all around.   When asked what his favorite scripture or motivational saying is, Maddox says that he really likes Romans 5:3-5, which says, “We are full of joy, even when we suffer.  We know that our suffering gives us the strength to go on.  The strength to go on produces character.  Character produces hope.  Hope will never let us down.  God has poured His love into our hearts.  He did it through the Holy Spirit, whom he has given to us.”  After graduation, Maddox wants to go to college and would love to become a pediatrician.

Craig and Jan had this to say to Maddox:  Over the past 4 years you have made our Friday nights very special.  We know the game of football is very special to you and has had an instrumental role in shaping you into the Christian young man that you have become.  We are excited to see what God has planned for you!  We love you!

Week 2 Game Summary Franklin v Riverdale

By Maurice Patton

Franklin had another late letdown, but it wasn’t costly this week as the Rebels held on for a 27-20 win at Riverdale.

“We tried FHS Riverdale Summary Picto do the same thing as the week before,” coach Donnie Webb said, referring to the season-opening 28-24 loss to Centennial, in which his team had a double-digit lead in the final two minutes.

The Rebels improved to 1-1 with the victory over a talented foe from Region 2-6A and was impressive early, getting out to a 14-0 first-quarter lead before lightning forced a one-hour delay. Following the unexpected break, they maintained their momentum and built a 24-7 halftime advantage. Riverdale (1-1) rallied in the second half, forcing a Franklin red zone turnover to keep the contest close and finally fading when FHS Riverdale Summary 2an onside kick attempt was recovered by the visitors. “We had an opportunity to put a team away again and made a mistake,” Webb said. “We fumbled going in when it would have put us up 21. We’ve got to make a stop there defensively and we don’t.

“We’ll continue to stress – we’ve got to finish games when we have that opportunity, especially when a team has playmakers that can score in one play. (Riverdale) kept fighting. We’ve got to get over that hump offensively, to finish drives and get things done.”

Mitch Rossi had another productive night offensively, with 117 rushing yards and a touchdown on 24 carries. Carter Hendry added a score on a 4-yard run and Jonathan Giles had a 21-yard ‘pick-6’. Christopher Miller-Hill tacked on field goals from 42 and 37 yards when the Rebel offense stalled. “For the players and coaches, it’s a lot more fun to watch film and learn coming off a win,” Webb said. “It’s not as tough to get through.”

                For more from veteran Midstate sports writer Maurice Patton….

go to mopattonsports.com

Senior Spotlight – #45 Harrison Brown

IMG_2552Today’s Senior Spotlight is shining on #45, Harrison Brown.  Harrison plays Defensive Back for the Rebels and started out playing Noseguard for the Grassland Eagles when he was little.   Harry has been fun to watch since the GAA days because he has always been a defensive player you could count on.  Todd Gurley is Harrison’s favorite athlete and he cites his favorite Franklin Football memory as playing as a sophomore in the game against Centennial.  He wants to go to the University of Tennessee after graduating.  When asked what his favorite scripture or motivational saying is, Harrison told us about a special morning ritual:  “Everyday since Kindergarten, my mom asks me before school, ‘What are you?’  And I have to say, “A smart, strong, Christian leader.”  She does it to all of us because she says if we say it enough, we will believe it.  It was embarrassing as I got older, but it’s “our thing.”

Todd and Melissa are Harrison’s parents and here is what they want him to know as they watch his senior season:  We are so inspired every day by you because of your commitment to doing the right thing and your drive to be the best you can be is going to take you far in life.  Your kind heart and adorable smile just makes everyone around you at ease.  We are so proud of you!

We are looking forward to watching number #45 on Friday nights!!!

Meet #9 – Jonathan Giles

Jonathan playing for the Grassland Eagles.

Jonathan Giles wears #9 and plays Defensive Back for the Rebels.  He is the son of Chris and Jeni Giles and his brother, Luke, plays for the Rebels.  Jonathan started playing football with the Grassland Eagles as a safety and running back.  He plays on the Rebel  baseball team and says that Bo Jackson is his favorite athlete.  Jonathan cites Colossians 3:23 as his favorite verse:  Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart.” 

He has been a big contributor to Franklin athletics and his favorite football memory is when the Rebels beat McGavock on Homecoming last year.  Jonathan’s plans after graduation include going to college and majoring in Sports Management.  We look forward to watching #9 this year, not only on the football field but also in the spring on the baseball field.

Chris and Jeni had these words for Jonathan:  You are a shining star.  You continue to amaze us with the ability to overcome the obstacles life puts in your path.  Your character is second to none and we are so proud of the young man you have become.  Your future is bright!!!

 

Week 1 Game Summary Franklin v Centennial

By Maurice PattonFranklin v Centennial Game Summary

Franklin controlled about 46 minutes of its season-opening matchup Friday with visiting crosstown rival Centennial. Unfortunately for the host Rebels, it’s a 48-minute affair, and the Cougars’ performance in the final two was the difference in a 28-24 upset. Centennial managed to score twice in the last 78 seconds – recovering an onside kick to set up Tre Stewart’s 43-yard gamewinning touchdown pass to Austin Waddell with just 10 ticks left on the clock. “It’s disappointing that we had our opportunities to put them away and we didn’t,” Franklin coach Donnie Webb said. “We let a team with some good athletes, that were better than us in space, hang around. They made the plays at the end.” Despite a 122-yard rushing effort by Mitch Rossi, the result marked the third consecutive loss in the series for Franklin. Rossi and Connor Palk each added a sack defensively, as the Rebels got pressure on Stewart for most of the night before he caught fire late. “Kudos to him down the stretch,” Webb said. “He really was struggling. “There’s so many things you question that you might have done differently, but for the most part, I think we’d have played the game the same. Just not focusing on little things that came up, cost us in the end. Not taking advantage of some Centennial miscues early, we left some points on the field, and us with some mental mistakes, blowing some assignments. But hat’s off to Centennial. They never quit.” JP Batarseh and Alex Gaca each caught a scoring pass for Franklin – Gaca a 53-yarder from Wes Patterson to put the Rebels on the scoreboard in the first quarter, Batarseh a 78-yarder from Carter Hendry in the third period to extend the margin to 17-7. Franklin rolled up 400-plus offensive yards in the loss. Next up for the Rebels is a Friday trip to Riverdale. Franklin pulled out a 34-20 homefield decision last season against the Warriors. “In the grand scheme of things, there’s still a lot of football to play,” Webb said. “They (Centennial) are going to win a lot of games, and I still believe we’ve got an opportunity to win a lot of games.”

                For more from veteran Midstate sports writer Maurice Patton…

go to mopattonsports.com.

A Great Rivalry Game!

Rebel-Cougar rivalry gets deeper

It’s hard to think that the Franklin-Centennial rivalry, which resumes Friday night at Howard Gamble Stadium on the Franklin campus, could get any deeper or more complex. It took the new kid on the block 16 years to defeat the old guard and the overall still stands a solid 16-4 record in favor of the Rebels.

Meet #67 – Vaughn Hamill

#67 Vaughn Hamill

#67 Vaughn Hamill

Today’s Senior Spotlight is on Offensive Lineman, #67, Vaughn Hamill.  He is the son of Shane and Sara Hamill and the older brother of Junior #60, Austin Hamill.  Vaughn started playing football with the Franklin Cowboys playing Center for his team.  He lists his favorite football player as LaSean McCoy and loves to eat sushi.  His teammates admire his hard work in the weight room and he continues to get stronger because of his work ethic.  “Winners take responsibility for their mistakes;  losers just make excuses,” is what Vaughn likes to keep in mind as he prepares to reach his goals which include going to college and majoring in pre-vet or pre-med.  One of his favorite FHS Football memories is spending time with his offensi

Vaughn and his brother, fellow Rebel, Austin

Vaughn and his brother, fellow Rebel, Austin

ve teammates, especially the line.

Here is what Vaughn’s parents have to say to him as he is beginning his Senior year:

“We have watched you grow into a mature young man of character, kindness, and strength.  We are so proud of the person you are and can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Good Luck to #67, Vaughn Hamill.  We look forward to watching you play this season.

Senior, Collin Saulters – #23

collin fball4

 

 

#23 –  Collin Saulters is the oldest of four boys.  Collin started playing football with the Grassland Eagles as a middle linebacker.  He, along with his parents Meg and Drew, is a huge UT Volunteer fan and lists Eric Berry as his favorite player.  He remembers the Spring Practice before his sophomore year as being one of his favorite FHS football memories because that’s when he really got to know a lot of the guys and started to feel like a part of the team.  Collin’s favorite verse/motivational saying comes from Ephesians 2:8-9:  “For it is by grace you have been saved, by faith.  And this not from yourselves.  It is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.”  Collin plans to go to college after graduation.  We are looking forward to watching #23 and wish him luck in the upcoming season.

Senior “send off” from his parents:  Your work ethic is outstanding.  You courage is inspiring.  Your character and integrity are admirable.  All of which is because of your faith in and walk with Christ.  We are so very proud of you.  

 

Battle-tested Franklin brings high expectations – Franklin Home Page

By SAM McGAW After surpassing expectations with an inexperienced team last fall, the Franklin Rebels enter 2016 with a battle-tested group that’s ready to take the program to the next level. The Rebels went 8-4 last year and finished second in Region 3-Class 6A. It was their third straight season with eight wins.