Frankfort High Panthers

 

In 2013 the Frankfort Panthers made an appearance in the Class A semi-finals. It was the first time back since 2007 season that the Panthers played in Class A final Four. Over the last 11 years the Panthers have been knocking on the door of the Class A elite. But there has been one constant road block along their journey and the road block has been the Beechwood Tigers. In 2013 the Panthers finally were able to take down Goliath in the regional finals that earned them a trip to Mayfield. Unlike 2007 game with Mayfield the test was much more difficult. For 24 minutes the Panthers defense gave them every opportunity to make it to the promise land. Unfortunately the wheels fell of and the Panthers journey to Bowling Green end at Mayfield.

 

What is different about 2014 edition of the Frankfort Panthers? The Goals are the same, the path to get to Bowling Green is the same, and majority of the team is the same. What’s not the same is the Attitude. The Panthers are no longer hopeful for an opportunity to play in the State Finals. The 2014 edition of the Frankfort High Panthers expects to play for a State Title. With expectations high around Frankfort there is still plenty that Coach Foley is concerned about.

 

Like most years at Frankfort the number one issue facing the Panthers is depth. With a roster of 32 it is difficult to find depth at some key spots mainly on the offensive and defensive fronts. What excites Foley the most is he returns 95% of his offensive production from last season?

 

The Panthers offense this season has to become more efficient with the football. This season the Panthers will continue to work to improve in the passing game. With the goal of passing game to complete higher percentage throws and use different styles of running backs to mix up their running game. Coach Foley knows his offense has to be more balanced in their attack, but feels that his team has the ability to use different ways to attack teams weekly.

 

Defensively the Panthers will look the same. The Panthers will continue to use an attacking shade defense. Over the past season the Panthers have hung their hat on their defense, with the attitude with constantly attacking offensives with alignment and an aggressive attitude. Panthers return several starters from last season defensive unit which should bold well for the Panthers.

 

Coach Foley has continued to use his non-District schedule to prepare his team for the Class A playoffs. This season the team will embrace the name “Road Warriors” as the Panthers will only have 4 home games. They have 6 road games this season with the one of the games being played in 16 hours away in Fort Myers Florida. Coach Foley said the Florida trip is to serve many purposes besides football. The Panthers will be making several stops along the way for some college visits. But the most important thing Coach Foley wants to gain from the trip is teaching his team how to travel and perform at a high level. Coaching staff knows its team lacks experience in long road trips with high stakes on the line.

 

Home Games: Western Hills, Eminence, Lexington Christian Danville,

Away Games: Lincoln County, Shelby County, Franklin County, Paris, Bracken County, First Baptist Academy (Fla.)

 

Like most teams Frankfort has big goals for this upcoming season. Coach Foley says the goals are the same goals he has for his team since his arrival in 2002. One goal the team focuses hard on each season and takes pride in doing, is going undefeated in the district. Coach Foley says the Panthers have not lost a district game in 8 seasons and the message each year is “Don’t be the team that breaks the streak”. When asked why that goal is so important. Coach Foley says it easy because if the Panthers don’t take of the first goal then the chances of achieving the remaining goals become tougher.

 

• Go Undefeated in the district

• Win district

• Win home field advantage

• Practice on Turkey Day

• Win Class A State Championship

 

Top Returners

 

Jalen Washington Sr. (RB/WR/QB/ DB) Mr. Everything for the Panthers: Washington has lined up at every offensive skill position over the last 3 seasons. He is the Panthers most explosive offensive weapon and team leader. Last season after being hurt in a playoff game was not expected to play the following week Washington entered the Bellevue game late in the game a caught what would be the deciding Touchdown of the game. Last season Washington rushed for 750 yards and has another 401 yards receiving. He appeared in 7 games at QB and threw 8 of 11 for 52 yards yards. Coach Foley will be looking to get more production out of Washington this season. Washington also led the team in special team return yardage and interceptions on defense. Washington led the team with 7 interceptions last season. He also recorded 75 tackles.

Washington has been getting some major attention from colleges, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Wyoming, EKU, and Wofford.

 

Anthony Robinson Jr. (QB/DL) Mr. Robinson took over the QB position last season as a sophomore with no varsity experience at QB. He helped lead the Panthers last season with a solid year. He was 98 of 224 for 1326 yards passing with. Robinson also rushed for 427 yards and && rushing touchdowns. This year Foley is looking for bigger and better things out of Robinson. Robinson also helps lead the Panther defense as a defensive end. On defense Robinson recorded 47 tackles and forced and recovered 1 fumble. As a junior Robinson has been catching the eye of some colleges: Kentucky.

 

Jalen Acree Sr. (RB/DL) Mr. Acree busted onto the scene in the offensive game plan late in the season. Hampered early in the season with injuries Mr. Acree was able to end the season with 650 yards rushing. Acree had a huge game in the regional final last year rushing for 180 yards and 2 touchdowns. Foley is hoping that his big bruiser can stay healthy this season to help carry the load on offense side of the ball. On defense Acree plays defensive line and has recorded 70 tackles and forced 2 fumbles and recovered 1 fumble. He will be the Panthers leading Defensive lineman this season. Acree already has two offers from Austin Peay and Tennessee State and interest from Navy, Wofford, EKU, WKU.

 

Matthew Collins Sr. (OL/DL) Mr. Collins is a 3 year starter for the Panthers and will be the most experience offensive lineman on the team. Coach Foley is looking for Collins to be the anchor on both of the offensive and defensive lines. Collins has caught the eye of a few colleges that include – Navy, Cornell, and Princeton.

 

Isaiah Jackson Sr. (TE/LB) Mr. Jackson is a 3 year starter on the defensive side of the ball for the Panthers. Jackson recorded 123 tackles last season, forced 4 fumbles and recovered 2 fumbles. Jackson is the team’s defensive leader. Jackson is the team’s leading Pass rusher and is constantly creating pressure on opposing teams QB’s. Jackson has some interest in several small schools in the state.

 

Chris Brooks Sr. (RB/LB) Mr. Brooks has been a 3 year starter on both sides of the ball for the Panthers. He has the ability to play multiple positions for the Panthers on offense, most of his time as Fullback. On Defense Brooks has been one of the team’s leaders. He recorded 100 tackles last season along with 2 fumble recoveries and 1 interception Coach Foley will be leaning heavily on Mr. Brooks to continue to be a leader on the field.

Sounds like Frankfort has high expectations....and they should with all they return.

Jalen Washington is special, to say the least. If he has another season like last season, I hope he is in the conversation for Mr. Football.

Frankfort looks good. I wonder if they will be favorite to win regional with all they have coming back?