Franklin County ready to progress in year two under Cooper

EASTPOINT, Fla. ( WMBB ) — The Franklin County football team is looking for improvement as they enter year two under head coach, John Cooper.

Over the last half-decade, the Seahawks have yet to notch a winning season. Franklin County has earned just four wins over the last five seasons.

While the Seahawks finished last season 0-10, Cooper is excited about his team’s off-season progress.

“We’re just guns blazing this year,” Cooper said. “We’re a more physically mature team and mentally mature team. It’s cool to see how things grow from year one to year two.”

Franklin County’s offense will be led by a first-year starter, senior quarterback Garyson Millender. He worked his way into the rotation last fall and earned his team’s confidence this offseason.

The Seahawk’s offense will remain heavy on the ground this year.

“Running the ball,” Franklin County senior athlete Ta’marion Carr said. “We’re going to run it, run it until we feel like we need to throw it.”

Propelling that run game will be the offensive line. Coach Cooper put a focus on the weight room to create a physical brand for his team.

“You don’t have anything if you don’t have an offensive line,” Cooper said. “The guys that I mentioned that are skill guys, you won’t even know anything about them if the offensive line doesn’t do their job.”

The Seahawks are returning a strong group of linebackers, but they hang their defensive hat on the corners on the outside.

“Our secondary is locked,” Franklin County sophomore athlete Sadiq Jones said. “If teams don’t run the ball on us, they won’t beat us.”

Franklin County features a strong eight-man senior class, but the experience ranges across all age levels.

The Seahawks hosted North Florida Christian and Port St. Joe for the preseason kickoff classic on Friday, August 16. They will open the regular season on the road at Bronson on Friday, August 23.

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