2009 Outlook

Franklin's colors are red and back, but this year you can color the Knights green.

Gone are the record-setting passing combination of Julian Wested-to-Tyler Bittner along with running backs Brandon Perrine and Sean Cogswell, kicker Brian Greenlee, two other valuable receivers in Bob Fazzolare and Steve Spiecker and stellar linemen Ben Ace, Ryan Malachina, Dan Uber and Matt Rankin.

"There's a lot of new names," said coach Dave Smith. "We are basically Turk, Myers and Hall."

He was referring to left tackle Nick Turk, linebacker Steven Myers and lineman Nolan Hall, about the only holder starters from last year's 5-5 team.

The Knights have more than 70 players on the roster, but Smith estimated than fewer than 20 were weight room regulars during the off-season.

"I've told them to make up for that, they've really got to work hard and get better every day," Smith said.

Here, then, is a very early look at the '09 Knights, who open the season on the road Friday, Sept. 4, at Erie East.

OFFENSE

Backfield


Myers	Dipietro	Murray

Myers, a senior, will be the quarterback, taking over for Wested. He's seen limited action there in the past. Junior Jesse Dipietro looks to be the new running back with another senior, Zach Murray, at fullback.

Tom Dinh, Jake Uhler and Randell Wilson are pushing for playing time. "It's really a five-back committee kind of thing," Smith said.

Smith think the Knights might run more this year. "We like to use the talent at its best," he said. "Our strength is probably (running the ball) because of our line and a little more experience in our backs. They run hard and they've got good coaching."

Receivers


Laing	Adams

Sadler	Worsk

Junior Brandon Laing, who was injured last year, will replace Spiecker at tight end. He'll be backed by Colin Bittner, freshman Devin Dolan and Logan Hovis.

Travis Adams is at split end with Mike Sadler and Jesse Worsk at flanker. Jim Waters will also see time at wide receiver.

Line


Hall	Turk

Turk is a returning starter at left tackle, and Hall, only a sophomore, is back at center. Mike Spaid looks like he'll be at right tackle. The guards will probably be Zach Richey and Evan Huff.

Other candidates are Caitlin Yount, Kyle Dye (a transfer from Virginia), Stephen Hartman, Nick Fiorentino and Tyler Schrecengost.

"Most of the upperclassmen have been getting their opportunities here, juniors and seniors on the roster," Smith said.


Spaid	Richey	Huff

DEFENSE

LInebackers

Myers is the leader on defense. "He's our stud," Smith said.

Murray will be an inside linebacker with Dipietro and Dinh on the outside. Uhler and Adams are pushing for playing time.

Line

Bittner

Laing, Richey, Tyler Ream and Dolan are working out at end. Bittner looks like

e a sure-thing at defensive tackle. "He's really stuffing the middle up for us, which is what we need," Smith said.

Turk, Spaid, Yount, Dye and Hartman are also candidates at tackle.

"We've got a lot of tackles. We've got a lot of depth at tackle," Smith said.

Secondary

Adams is back at safety. Sadler will be at a corner, joining either Wilson or Worsk, although Wilson can also play linebacker.

"We've got a little bit of depth, too, in the secondary," Smith said.

Kicking

Pretty much up in the air. Bittner could handle the kickoffs. Huff, Dolan and Casey Boyer are the punters.

Outlook

Smith sees Corry, with Scottie Frisina back at quarterback, as the team to beat in Region 5.

As for Franklin, "We are just preaching to these kids, because we are so inexperienced and because we are so green, that they have to give 110 percent effort all the time," Smith said.

One thing, though, is he likes the attitude.

"It's not about themselves; it's about the team," he said.

Notes -- Neither Julian Wested nor Tyler Bittner are playing college ball. Bittner went to Ohio State to pursue an engineering degree...Sam Schwabenbauer, who was at IUP, has transferred to Grove City where he'll join Blane Gold and Jarred Frawley...Travis Lepley is at Lake Erie, Robert Tantlinger is at Clarion, Fazzolare is at Westminster and Matt Cirell is at Mercyhurst...Meanwhile, Nate Byham will begin his senior season at Pitt....