STW Preview: Franklin County Wildcats

Posted a 3-7 record last year

Class 3A Sectional 31

Head coach: Wes Gillman

Record at Franklin County: 22-27; 6th year at FC

2022 Record: 3-7; lost to Indian Creek in the Sectional Tournament

The 2023 Franklin County Wildcats are looking to make a splash this upcoming football season. With the installation of the brand new turf field, there seems to be a sense of wanting to put the best product on that new field.

Posting a 3-7 record last year, they’ve got a long way to go to get there. Coach Wes Gillman explained that his squad is very young this year but they are “one of the hardest working groups” he’s had in 10 years. You can’t ask for anything more than young, hungry athletes looking to make a name for themselves in the EIAC.

Last year, the Wildcats lost some quality starters including Bryce Hodapp, Peyton McCreary and Brady Morehead. Hodapp was an anchor in that defense, recording 10.5 sacks. McCreary put up solid number as a rusher, hitting 572 yards and 3 touchdowns while Morehead rushed for 815 yards and 6 touchdowns.

This year, the young Cats look to write their own story in the Franklin County history books. Defensive lineman Ben Becker looks to improve on his 48 tackles last season along with LB Jack Dirkhising with his 45 tackle 2022 campaign. DB Braylon Kruthaupt looks to secure the outside, improving on his 35 tackles and 3 passes deflected in 2022.

On offense, QB Quinn Gillman is working hard to continue being a dual threat QB. Last season Gillman put up 763 yards in the air and 7 touchdowns while also rushing for 816 yards and 4 more touchdowns. WRs Blake Stephenson and Jack Seals look to help Gillman rack up this passing yards.

Be sure to get out and support your Wildcats in 2023!

8/18 @ New Castle

8/25 @ Connersville

9/1 Rushville

9/8 East Central

9/15 @ Lawrenceburg

9/22 Greensburg

9/29 @ South Dearborn

10/6 @ Batesville

10/13 Beech Grove