Franklin Central’s juniors include running back Kajuan Coe, D-back Eli Weeks and running back Jaylen Brown, all of whom are expected to add to the Flashes’ impact.
FRANKLIN CENTRAL (6A, 4-7) – A year older, smarter and stronger under second-year coach Grant Lewis … dropped first six games last year but closed with three wins in last four outings … defense looks young but has experience … led by linebacker Chris Ford, D-backs Eli Weeks and safety Dontez Hines (71 tackles) … new players add bulk to four-man front line … Running backs Jaylin Brown (5.8 yards per carry, four TDs) and Kajuan Coe (3.4 yards per carry, six TDs) return, joined by transfer Michael Pitts and fullback Noah Huffman … Kendel Kendrick, Dominic Lowe, Jacob McFarland lead D-line with Wilson Huber (41 tackles, five sacks) adding flexibility … O-line features Jordan New, Brice Clesi and Josh Belden … quarterback spot up for grabs between senior Jon Arnold and junior Austin Benner … receiver Huber (43 catches, 553 yards, eight TDs) keeps defenses honest with receivers Jalen Wilson and Donte Harris … they operate behind Beldon, Clesi, Jordan New and Peyton Lamping … a program on the way up.
Coach’s comments:
“Our defense last year was extremely young, but the good news is that we have a lot of starters back with experience. Our linebacker corps is greatly improved. We will go 4-3 on defense. We average 260 pounds across the offensive front line. We expect to be a run-dominant team that can grind it out and eat up the clock. The offense is really focused.
“We’re very excited because it’s no longer new players who aren’t used to varsity experience. They know what to expect on Friday nights; they know the physicality and they know the speed. The confidence is there this year. Off-season training and teaching our culture has changed the atmosphere.
“We expect Friday nights to go more in our favor a lot more this year.” – Coach Grant Lewis
Coach’s comments:
“Our defense last year was extremely young, but the good news is that we have a lot of starters back with experience. Our linebacker corps is greatly improved. We will go 4-3 on defense. We average 260 pounds across the offensive front line. We expect to be a run-dominant team that can grind it out and eat up the clock. The offense is really focused.
“We’re very excited because it’s no longer new players who aren’t used to varsity experience. They know what to expect on Friday nights; they know the physicality and they know the speed. The confidence is there this year. Off-season training and teaching our culture has changed the atmosphere.
“We expect Friday nights to go more in our favor a lot more this year.” – Coach Grant Lewis
Franklin Central seniors provide experience on defense; they are lineman Kendal Kendrick, safety Dontez Hines and middle linebacker Chris Ford.
Seniors lead Franklin Central’s explosive offense: linemen Jordan New and Brice Clesi, quarterback Jon Arnold, fullback Noah Huffman, wide receiver/linebacker Wilson Huber and lineman Josh Belden.
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