Football Preview: Franklinton looking to exorcise last season’s Demons

Franklinton High School has a very rich and deep tradition in football. It is a proud program of players, alumni and passionate fans.

The Demons won the Class 4A state championship in 2010 under Shane Smith, who is now the principal of the school. He also took the Demons to the state title game in 2009. Franklinton got to the 3A championship game in 1981, the first year of the Superdome Classic, as well as in 1969.

That is why 2020 was perhaps the toughest season in the history of the outstanding program.

First, there was the pandemic, making things difficult to get going, particularly with a team lacking significant experience.

Then, there was the realization of an 0-8 season which unfolded.

Entering his fourth year, 2003 Franklinton alumnus Jonathan Barber is determined to make sure that anything resembling 2020 and its season repeat itself.

“It was the most difficult year as a player or a coach,” Barber said. “It was very challenging. It was very taxing on all of us. We pride ourselves on having every day matter and we lost three months of that. We were constantly trying to play catch-up.”

The negative experience has given way to a positive outlook.

“I think it’s made our team and players appreciate every day, the grind and challenges it takes to have success,” Barber said. “We have embraced that this year and look forward to the competition in the fall.”

The one key loss to graduation is Corinthious Dickerson.

Fortunately, many key players are back and better than a year ago.

A host of starters return, including 10 of 11 on offense. Five of those are seniors.

The unit will be led by junior quarterback Zion Anders (6-0, 185). Senior running back Kendarius Brumfield (5-10, 220) and senior fullback Ethan Sharpe (6-1, 185) also return to join Anders in the backfield.

“Anders was only able to start six games due to injury last year,” Barber said. “He’s made tremendous progress. We didn’t project him as a starter last year so he didn’t have an offseason as he had been at free safety. Being back and being our leader is great. He has experience and poise and is a good athlete. Brumfield moved from defense and he is physical.”

All starting wide receivers are back as well, representing three different classes.

Senior Glen Mark (6-2, 155) is long and a good target as is junior Daniel Bryant (6-1, 175). Sophomore Kelly Daniels (5-11, 155) also returns.

“Both outside guys are back and both are tall receivers in Mark and Bryant,” Barber said. “Daniels started as a freshman and he is explosive, a home-run hitter on every play he touches the ball.”

The offensive line returns four of five starters, including senior center Zach Wright (5-10, 300) and senior tackles Collin Penny (5-11, 195) and Adam Galloway (6-3, 285). Sophomore guard Kevion Ginn (5-11, 255) is the fourth returning starter and he will be joined on the other side by junior Terrell Brumfield (6-0, 330), the only non-starter from a year ago.

“We have a ton of experience up front,” Barber said. “We have two or three guys in the mix for the fifth spot. We have senior players and our sophomore, Ginn, may be the best of the bunch. We like this group.”

The defense is junior-laden but experienced, with seven starters returning, including all defensive linemen in nose guard Andre Callais (5-11, 180), along with ends Tradell Causey (6-2, 255) and D’Michael Ward (6-0, 185).

“We moved some pieces around but we have three guys who played last year set to start,” Barber said. “Causey anchors the group and has a chance to play at the next level. Last year was his first year starting. He can make a real impact for us.”

A pair of juniors man the linebacker spots, including strong side linebacker Khaled Wialigha (5-11, 195) and weakside linebacker Timarion Partman (6-0, 185), along with a solid, physical senior in middle linebacker Billy Gross (6-3, 220).

“Both of out interior guys, Wialigha and Gross, will set the tone,” Barber said. “Khaled is a leader and Billy is a physical force who is in really good shape now. Micah Wascom, who will also line up at safety, and Partman are athletic on the outside.”

A pair of seniors will start at cornerback, including Dallas Kemp (6-0, 175) and Keyon Nelson (5-9, 165) while the safeties are junior Senqualon Conerly (5-9, 200) and sophomores Wascom (6-0, 175) and Micah Hart (5-10, 165).

“We have a pair of seniors at corner,” Barber said. “We lost our free safety, Colin Williams, to a torn ACL for the year. Conerly is the vocal guy. He possesses the ability to cover and tackle and be a difference-maker. We feel we have players who can make plays at all three levels.”

Senior Cole Coletti (5-7, 140) will handle punting and kicking duties.

The season opens at home against traditional rival Bogalusa on Sept. 3. A trip to Covington, another traditional rival, follows, before the Demons host Fontainebleau.

Franklinton then plays at Denham Springs and then hosts Belle Chasse and Tylertown, the Homecoming contest. The final non-district road game is at Pope John Paul II.

“What I like about our pre-district schedule is it will challenge us every week,” Barber said. “Bogalusa is a rival. Belle Chasse is in the playoffs every year. We play Tylertown, which is always a challenge. Traveling to Denham Springs will be tough. Fontainebleau will be better. Pope John Paul has a new coach.”

District 9-4A play begins at always tough Lakeshore before the Demons host Salmen. The regular season closes at Pearl River on Nov. 5.

“I expect everyone in the league to be improved,” Barber said. “Lakeshore has set the standard the last few years. Salmen has a lot of players back. Pearl River is always tough. We feel we are better. It will be challenging but we are looking forward to it.”

With a ton of experience a ton of historical pride to lean on, the dark memory of 2020 should be erased in 2021 by Franklinton.

“Our goal is to make it at least to the quarterfinals,” Barber said. “We haven’t won a playoff game in five years. We want to host a playoff game and advance. I believe we have the ability to do so.”

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