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2020 Snapshot: Franklin County

Franklin County WR/DB Jacob Schatzle (photo from Facebook: Franklin County's 12th Man Club)

When you look at Franklin County on paper, the credentials are there. The Wildcats roster is littered with players that have proven themselves at the varsity level. This could be the squad takes the program beyond the Sectionals for the first time since 1998. To make that happen this team will have to reverse their fortunes versus their Sectional 31 EIAC rivals.

“We have a strong junior and senior class. These kids have been biding their time and that time is now. We should have a great season if we stay healthy,” head coach Wes Gillman states. The Wildcats will have some depth issues so avoiding injuries will be a huge factor for their success.

Franklin County lost five games a year ago to teams that were a combined 40-10 (.800 winning percentage). Two of those losses were to Greensburg (7-5) by one and seven points. In the other three defeats the Wildcats were outscored by a 131-14 margin.

Rising to that next level is going to be a grueling challenge for Franklin County. The Wildcats will have to dig down deep to take it up another notch. With an experienced group of upperclassmen this team is more than capable of getting that done.

Class 3A, Sectional 31
2019 RECORD: 5-5, 2-1 EIAC 4A
COACH: Wes Gillman (7-13 at Franklin County, two years; 21-36, six years overall)

Franklin County RB/DB Hunter Tschaenn (photo from Hudl.com)

HONOR ROLL
Hunter Tschaenn, Sr, RB/DB – Had a breakout junior campaign with 1,470 yards and 20 touchdowns rushing in eight games. Tschaenn averaged 183.8 yards rushing per contest. Six times he ran for more than 150 yards. Tschaenn was named AP Class 3A Honorable Mention All-Indiana for his effort. He also has 92 total tackles and a 92-yard scoop-and-score in his career.

Bridger Bolos, Jr, RB/LB – One of the most well-rounded players in the league. As a sophomore, Bolos was named Class 4A All-EIAC (DB) after tallying 41 total tackles, with two-and-a-half sacks, seven tackles for losses and four takeaways (two FRs, two INTs). On offense, he threw for 229 yards, ran for 242 yards, had seven receptions for 84 yards and accounted for eight touchdowns (six rush, one rec, one pass).

Josh Bauman, Sr, RB/LB – Does a good when Franklin County gives Tschaenn a rest. Bauman ran for 376 yards, found the end zone three times, had four contests of 50 yards or more rushing and recorded 27 total tackles on his way to Honorable Mention Class 4A All-EIAC (FB) acclaim as a junior.

Cameron Smith, Sr, OL/DL – One of the Wildcats anchors on the offensive line. Smith was named Honorable Mention Class 4A All-EIAC (OL) as a junior.

Jason Schatzle, Jr, WR/DB – Was very productive on both sides of the ball in his first season as a starter. Schatzle amassed 712 all-purpose yards, had eight receptions for 267 yards, two touchdown catches, 30 total tackles, two fumble recoveries and an interception. He earned Honorable Mention Class 4A All-EIAC (RS) for his work.

Sam Westerfeld, Jr, OL/DE – A disruptive force who has a tremendous upside. Westerfeld recorded 33 total tackles, had three-and-a-half sacks, 12.5 tackles for losses, forced two fumbles and recovered two fumbles as a sophomore. That earned him Honorable Mention Class 4A All-EIAC (DE) accolades.

Kaden Erfman, Jr, TE/LB – The Wildcats top returning tackler. Erfman was named Honorable Mention Class 4A All-EIAC (LB) after registering 53 total tackles, two-and-a-half sacks and a fumble recovery as a sophomore.

Austin Hill, Jr, TE/LB – In his first year as a starter, Hill was in on 37 total tackles, had three sacks and recovered a fumble as a sophomore. He was named Honorable Mention Class 4A All-EIAC (LB) for the effort.

Robbie Parsons, Sr, OL/DL – Back for his fourth season as a starter Parsons was named Honorable Mention Class 4A All-EIAC (DT) for a second time, in 2019. He also earned the same accolades as a freshman. Parsons has 166 total tackles, nine-and-a-half sacks, three forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries in his career.

Franklin County OL/DL Robbie Parsons (68) (photo from Facebook: Franklin County’s 12th Man Club)

OTHER RETURNEES
Anthony Moore, Sr, OL/DL – A veteran leader, who looks the part, on the offensive line. Tschaenn will follow many of Moore’s lead blocks this season.

Garrett Ertel, Sr, OL/DE – Will play on both sides of the line and in all crucial seasons. Another Wildcats senior that want to leave his mark.

Tyreke Carr, Jr, WR/DB – When Carr’s number is called expect big plays and great results. He will make opposing defenses pay if they focus to much on the Franklin County rushing attack.

Andrew Merritt, Jr, RB/LB – If Merritt takes another step forward the Wildcats fans could be watching a two-time all-league performer. He had 29 total tackles, two sacks and an interception as a sophomore.

Brayden Back, Jr, OL/DL/P – A returning member of an offensive line that paved the way for 230.9 yards per game rushing in 2019.

NEWCOMERS
Making an immediate impact will be senior QB/LB/S Adam Kelly who transfers in from Connersville. A three-year starter under center for the Spartans, Kelly has amassed 2,493 yards of total offense (1,814 pass, 679 rush) and accounted for 16 touchdowns (13 pass, three rush) in his career.

Senior OL/DL Chase Bruns, junior WR/DB Hunter Geis, sophomores OL/LB Peyton McCreary and QB/LB will get their fair shots at cracking the starting lineup. Morehead played in all 10 games as a freshman, threw two touchdown passes and had 12 total tackles. He will also get a look at quarterback.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(40-31 overall)
Sectional Champions (5) – 1998, 1997, 1995, 1991, 1990
Regional Champions (3) – 1998, 1997, 1995,
State Runner Up (1) – 1995

2020 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/21/20 – NEW CASTLE – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/28/20 – CONNERSVILLE – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/04/20 – at Rushville – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/11/20 – at East Central – 7:30 PM
Fri – 09/18/20 – LAWRENCEBURG – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/25/20 – at Greensburg – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/02/20 – SOUTH DEARBORN – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/09/20 – BATESVILLE – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/16/20 – at Beech Grove – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/23/20 – TBD: IHSAA Sectional 31 Playoffs

EIAC 3A BLUES
The Wildcats are a combined 7-18 versus EIAC 3A rivals Lawrenceburg, Batesville and Greensburg over the past eight seasons. Ten of those losses have been by 20 or more points.

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