Graduated: Julian Wested, QB, 1,595 yards passing in 2008
Graduated: Tyler Bittner, WR, 130 combined catches in 2007-08
Franklin Knights
Coach: Dave Smith
2008 overall record: 5-5
2008 league record (place): 1-3 (fourth place, Region 5)
Playoff results: Did not qualify for the District 10 Class AAA tournament.
Top players lost: WR/DB Tyler Bittner, OL/DL Dan Uber, QB/DB Julian Wested, RB/DB Sean Cogswell, OT/DT Ben Ace, OL/DE Ryan Malachina, K/P Brian Greenlee, RB/LB Brandon Perrine, TE/DE Steve Spieker.
Top underclassmen: RB/LB Steven Myers, RB/DB Romeo Cooley, OL/DE Evan Huff, RB/LB Zach Murray, OL/DE Zac Richey, OL/DL Catlin Yount, TE/LB Colin Bittner.
Key games: Sept. 11 Corry, Sept. 25 Grove City, Oct. 9 Warren, Oct. 16 at Oil City, Oct. 30 at Meadville.
Outlook: Dave Smith didn’t deny it. Next month’s camp likely will be his most challenging in six seasons as the Knights’ head coach. Gone to graduation is all-region quarterback Julian Wested, who passed for more than 3,000 yards over three seasons. Gone to graduation are Wested’s top five receivers from 2008, including Tyler Bittner, arguably the premier wide receiver in school history. He had 83 receptions in 2007 and 47 in 2008. Gone to graduation are Franklin’s top three rushers from ’08, topped by Brandon Perrine (713 yards, six touchdowns). “We’ll probably be more teachers than coaches (at camp),” Smith said. “Right now, we’ll probably just try to simplify things.” … Smith said senior Steven Myers goes into camp as Franklin’s probable starter at quarterback. Myers was listed as a running back on the Knights’ roster last year, even though he had no carries. He did catch seven passes for 72 yards and one TD. … Franklin should benefit from the return of players who blocked and tackled along the line of scrimmage. Two-way linemen Zac Richey and Catlin Yount were listed at more than 200 pounds as juniors. Smith also cited the potential use of sophomore tight end Colin Bittner, Tyler’s brother, in Franklin’s offensive schemes. … The Knights catch a break as far as their Region 5 schedule. They host three of their four rivals, Corry, Grove City and Warren, at Franklin Stadium.
Schedule
September
4 at East 7
11 Corry* 7
18 at Strong Vincent 7
25 Grove City* 7
October
3 at Harbor Creek 7
9 Warren* 7
16 at Oil City 7
23 Central Tech 7
30 at Meadville* 7
November
6 Titusville 7
*Region 5 games
Sunday: Region 5: Grove City
