Teams to watch: Franklin Lions

After finishing third in the ultra-competitive District 10-3A last season, it didn’t take Franklin long to make the climb back to the top of the standings. The Lions held on for close wins over both Cameron Yoe and Rockdale, solidifying themselves as the front-runner this season. After a loaded non-district schedule composed of all Class 4A teams, Franklin used losses to Caldwell and Waco Connally to fuel a run of five straight wins. Now, only a win over Little River Academy in the season finale this week stands between the Lions and another outright district title under head coach Mike Hedrick. “It’s great,” Hedrick said. “It’s a great feeling. The kids are really pumped up and ready for the playoffs. They’re just excited, and we as coaches are too.” Franklin has demonstrated an ability to win close games in district play this year – something that last season’s team struggled with at times. The Lions lost to Cameron Yoe and Rockdale by a combined 10 points in 2016 before holding on for a 38-34 win over Cameron and a 37-34 win over Rockdale this season. It took a second-half comeback led by two-way star Jared Pedraza for Franklin to knock off Rockdale last week, as the junior rushed for 164 yards and four touchdowns while also coming up with a key deflection in the secondary that led to a timely interception. Pedraza is relied upon heavily on both sides of the ball, but embraces that role well and brings a lot of energy to the field. “Rarely does he come out of the game,” Hedrick said. “He plays as hard as he can play every play – he’s one of those kids, and that’s just the way he plays. I think the other guys feed off that.” In addition to Pedraza, the Lions have benefited from the return of Baylor offensive line commit Casey Phillips. Phillips was battling injuries early in the season, but is healthy as he’s been with the playoffs approaching, according to Hedrick. Will Fannin has been a vital part of the defensive effort, and has managed to one-up a 2016 campaign in which he totaled 154 tackles as a sophomore. “He plays hard, he plays smart,” Hedrick said. “He can find the football. It’s a natural thing I think. I don’t know if you can coach it. He can find the football – that’s all you want. The kid just has a natural instinct.” The win over Rockdale has the Lions playing as confident as ever, which could mean trouble for Region III in the playoffs. Franklin is no stranger to deep playoff runs, and advanced to the state championship game as recently as 2015. The Lions have to match up against the tough District 9-3A – headlined by Malakoff, Teague and West – in the first round of the playoffs, but avoided the big three by claiming the district title. Franklin will likely meet Groesbeck or Eustace in the bi-district round. “I think [beating Rockdale] really got them confident that they can play with anybody,” Hedrick said. “That, for me, is definitely where you want your ball club to be as the playoffs are approaching. “I look at it as a week-to-week deal. For the most part, the kids are starting to get it on their mind. It just comes down to who you have to play. Hopefully we can get on a roll in the playoffs.”

— –– —