Returning seniors aim to lead Franklin Central’s more balanced offense: running back Kane Idele, lineman Justin Borton, running back/receiver Robert Ritter and quarterback Cody Jacob.
By Al Stilley
FRANKLIN CENTRAL (3-8) – Flashes have nowhere to go but up after seven losing seasons … new coach Grant Lewis brings enthusiasm and fresh look to defense and offense … Lewis succeeds Burt Austin (14-28, four seasons) … number of players jumps from around 40 last year to 95 … team spirit is high … FC no longer 1-dimensional; will have multiple looks on offense … Lewis wants stronger defense … offense has one-two punch in senior QB Cody Jacob and explosive halfback Robert Ritter … Jacob can throw to wide receivers Dontez Hines and Wilson Huber, a junior who moves from linebacker … junior Kendal Kendrick (250 pounds) and Justin Borton (285) solidify the O-line … only two defensive starters return, Hines at free safety and Nate Ruley, a corner linebacker … Flashes have lively competition for most starting spots … FC has a proud football history – four state championships … open Friday against Decatur Central at 6 p.m. at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Lewis’ comments: “The interest level has exploded. There’s a lot of pride in Franklin Central football in the township. The work ethic is great, and the drive within the kids is unbelievable. I expect we will play smart and eliminate the TNTs (things that take no talent): jumping offside, lining up incorrectly, stepping the wrong way on a basic play. I think we will have one of the high-power offenses in Conference Indiana this year. I want to make special teams a very special unit – a third platoon of head hunters … I expect to put a very organized team on the field, one that plays for each other. In the ’80s and ’90s we were quite the team, and that’s the level we want to reach.”
FRANKLIN CENTRAL (3-8) – Flashes have nowhere to go but up after seven losing seasons … new coach Grant Lewis brings enthusiasm and fresh look to defense and offense … Lewis succeeds Burt Austin (14-28, four seasons) … number of players jumps from around 40 last year to 95 … team spirit is high … FC no longer 1-dimensional; will have multiple looks on offense … Lewis wants stronger defense … offense has one-two punch in senior QB Cody Jacob and explosive halfback Robert Ritter … Jacob can throw to wide receivers Dontez Hines and Wilson Huber, a junior who moves from linebacker … junior Kendal Kendrick (250 pounds) and Justin Borton (285) solidify the O-line … only two defensive starters return, Hines at free safety and Nate Ruley, a corner linebacker … Flashes have lively competition for most starting spots … FC has a proud football history – four state championships … open Friday against Decatur Central at 6 p.m. at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Lewis’ comments: “The interest level has exploded. There’s a lot of pride in Franklin Central football in the township. The work ethic is great, and the drive within the kids is unbelievable. I expect we will play smart and eliminate the TNTs (things that take no talent): jumping offside, lining up incorrectly, stepping the wrong way on a basic play. I think we will have one of the high-power offenses in Conference Indiana this year. I want to make special teams a very special unit – a third platoon of head hunters … I expect to put a very organized team on the field, one that plays for each other. In the ’80s and ’90s we were quite the team, and that’s the level we want to reach.”
Franklin Central has several returning juniors: Dontez Hines at safety; Nate Ruley and Wilson Huber, outside linebackers; and lineman Kendal Kendrick.
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