By Perry Swack
Rhea Stadium – September 18, 2020 – 7:00pm
Linton-Wren Kickoff Classic
Last Game
Franklin-Simpson – lost at Madisonville-North Hopkins – 45-31 – in the third round of the 2019 Class 4A Playoffs
Russellville – lost at Logan County – 29-7 – on September 11
2019 Meeting
Franklin-Simpson throttled Russellville, 42-0, behind a balanced rushing attack that saw four players rack up nearly 50 yards on the ground. LeAndre Stutzman racked up 90 yards on six carries and logged a receiving touchdown to pace the Wildcats. Quarterback Luke Richardson only threw four times (completing three), but two were for touchdowns. Seniors Chase Gooch and Connor Rogers both scored two touchdowns on the ground. Rogers and fellow senior Justin Todd amassed 11 tackles each.
Last 5 Matchups
2019 – Russellville 0 @ Franklin-Simpson 42
2018 – Russellville 6 @ Franklin-Simpson 53
2017 – Franklin-Simpson 55 @ Russellville 6
2016 – Franklin-Simpson 34 @ Russellville 7
2015 – Russellville 12 @ Franklin-Simpson 34
Preview
The Max Chaney Era is set to begin Friday night at Rhea Stadium. Chaney is of course no stranger to the Wildcat program having served as offensive coordinator, offensive line, and strength coach over the last 15 years. The Franklin native hopes to continue what former head men Doug Preston and Tim Schlosser were able to do a lot of: win.
Franklin is set to replace a wealth of talent, including the district player of the year in running back/defensive back LeAndre Stutzman. Fellow skill players Tedric Partinger and Chase Gooch were also lost to graduation, as was Connor Rogers – the team’s leading tackler in 2019 with 105 takedowns.
Chaney returns quarterback Luke Richardson, who had a solid sophomore year under center. The signal-caller threw for nearly 800 yards and eleven touchdowns. Sophomore Omar Harrison rushed for over 500 yards and six scores, while tallying 70 tackles in 2019. Senior Malik Carter scored seven times on the ground last season on offense, while finishing with 49 tackles, five tackles for losses, three sacks, and one pick-six. Junior linebacker Atakis Allen also returns for the Wildcats after finishing second on the team with 92 tackles (eight for losses).
Russellville will be looking to improve upon its week one performance, a 29-7 loss at crosstown rival Logan County. Coach Mikie Benton’s squad will need more consistency from its offense after struggling against the Cougar defense. Junior running back Jovari Gamble led the way last Friday with 44 yards on the ground. Sophomore LaMarcus Hickman scored the only touchdown for the Panthers, an interception returned for a score. Seniors Zach Dowlen and Josh McMurry paced Russellville on defense with nine and eight tackles respectively.
Prediction
Franklin-Simpson 31, Russellville 7
Franklin-Simpson will extend its winning streak over Russellville to seven games on Friday night. The Wildcats lost production from the 2019 team, but it returns enough experience to get the job done. I expect Luke Richardson to connect with junior tight end Andrew Ogles for a score, and for Malik Carter to find the back of the end zone on the ground. Russellville’s Gamble will punch in a score for the Panthers.
Next Week
Franklin-Simpson opens district play at home against Allen County-Scottsville on September 25
Russellville hosts Somerset – the 2019 Class 2A state champion – on September 25
