The advent of another school year in Macon County means Franklin High School (FHS) is ramping up its latest edition of fall sports. Those sports include football, cross country, men’s soccer, and women’s tennis and volleyball.
FHS sports fans have been tracking the fact that Josh Brooks, long time head football coach, is returning, following a brief hiatus in the winter of 2023-24. Along with Brooks, his wife Bekah Brooks continues her leadership of FHS Lady Panther varsity volleyball, along with Cindy Harrell coaching junior varsity (JV).
Additionally, men’s soccer returns with Matt Kolodzik coaching his Panthers for another highly anticipated campaign. Melissa Ward leads the men and women in cross country track.
Football
Looking forward to his 19th upcoming season, Josh Brooks professed, “I have really enjoyed the summer workouts and the start of preseason. The players’ attendance, attitude, and effort have been tremendous. While winning is very important, I think there is so much more to gain from being on a team that is life long and not short-lived like a score and a record.”
To his 2024 staff, Brooks added his brother Jay, as well as Jared Jones. The new JV head coach is Landon Potter.
“I am proud of the coaches and how they have worked and invested their time over the summer – all of this time they are not paid for,” said Brooks.
Women’s volleyball
Bekah Brooks returns for her seventh year leading the varsity volleyball Lady Panthers, with every intention of defending their 2023 conference title.
“I am looking forward to ‘Panther Pride,’” she said, “and I am hoping to keep the title ‘Conference Champs!’ I have been so proud of all these girls in their dedication this summer and am hoping that pays off!”
As for seasonal goals, the coach believes the team will place first or second in the conference regular season as well as advance past the second round of the playoffs.
Injuries in sports are somewhat inevitable and the varsity Lady Panthers have already suffered a few just as the season got underway. Senior Outside Hitter Cali Queen suffered a knee injury in a game against Murphy, Aug. 15, while sophomore Audrey Pressley sustained a back injury earlier in August.
“We adjust, because that’s what we do,” said Brooks. “We have eight seniors who are super determined to make this year great! … This team is strong and has a no-quit attitude.”
The coach offered her “go to” players as seniors Kyrah Bowles (outside hitter), Ryan Green (middle hitter), and Piper Wittekind (right-side hitter), along with passers McKayla Sanders and McKenna Plemmons holding down passing duties. Senior setter Emma Ledford, along with newcomer Bristol Brooks (freshman), working together to “feed who’s hungry,” noted Brooks
Looking at the schedule, North and West Henderson appear to be the most challenging contests the team will face this year. West is always strong and the Lady Knights of North Henderson are also expected to be tough. FHS hosts North Sept. 3, while the West Lady Falcons visit the Panther Den just a week later on Sept. 10.
On the JV side, head coach Cindy Harrell is equally excited about the new season.
“I look forward to defending a Mountain 7 Conference title and seeing our girls rise to the challenge,” she said.
Regarding any particular standouts, Harrell pointed out, “We have a very talented program, starting at the top – we just need to stay healthy and positive.”
Also entering her seventh year as both head JV coach and assistant varsity coach, Harrell concluded, “Everyone is gunning for Franklin; we have a bullseye on our backs every season and I love it.” She offered that Pisgah and West Henderson are probably the two most challenging games on the schedule.
“We may not always win, but you’re going know you’ve been in a heck of a fight and you’re going to remember why you hate coming into the Panther Den,” added Harrell.
Women’s tennis
While the women ramped up their season recently with matches at East Henderson and Tuscola, they then focused on home games versus Pisgah and North Henderson.
Prior to the regular season even beginning, FHS held its 25th annual tennis tournament fundraiser Aug 10-11 in Franklin. According to FHS men’s head coach Sammy Gunter, “It was hot and humid but went relatively smoothly for the 52 participants, of which 21 are current or former players of FHS and Macon Middle School (MMS) teams.”
Most notably, one of the current women’s tennis head coaches, Heather Bell, won the mixed doubles championship, along with her team partner, Canyon Woodard. Also, 2024 FHS graduates Lydia and Laura Holland took first in Mixed A doubles.
“There were several extremely competitive matches, which were exciting to watch. The tournament raised over $3,800, which will be used to buy balls, equipment, and meet other needs of the FHS girls’ and boys’ varsity and MMS teams,” said Gunter.
Men’s soccer
Men’s soccer is off to a good start with five matches, of 22 regular season games scheduled played so far.
“While we lost some key players from last year, we have returned three out of our four top goal-scorers,” said Coach Kolodzik. “I believe we can be a team that can share the wealth and make it difficult to concentrate on one player for our opponents when they face us. I’m excited about our depth on the team. There are many players who can showcase some great skills and seeing them come together, as one unit, is always exciting.”
While he is eager for all his players to excel, Kolodzik, now in his seventh year of coaching, spotlighted senior players from the 24-man roster.
“We have an excellent returning class of nine seniors who will be a core part of our success. Graham Caldwell, Miguel Cruz, and Ian Camacho-Mendoza are our starting midfielders. Josiah Mascorro is a starting forward. These seniors will help set the tone for each match and the season in general. I believe we can make a run for a conference title if we work toward it and progress in the way I believe they can. This is a hard-working team and I know it will show as we move forward.”
As for which matches he might single out as more important, the coach was quick to state his response. While he believes they will all be great, “I’d have to say our home match against Pisgah on Sept. 23 is one that is circled. Pisgah is the defending conference champion from last year. You always want a chance to beat the previous champion.”