Donnie Webb has seen the preseason predictions that put Franklin first in District 11-AAA.

“I hope they’re right,” said Webb, the Rebels football coach. “I feel like there are several teams in the district that are going to be pretty good. I still think it’s Ravenwood’s to lose, but we hope we’re a part of that top group when the time comes.”

Ravenwood went 6-0 in league play last year to win the district title. Independence was second and Franklin took third.

Franklin’s Joe Critchlow enters his third year at quarterback after passing for 3,386 yards and 38 touchdowns the past two seasons.

“Joe just lets the game develop,” Webb said. “Joe can be as good as Joe wants to be. He can pass or run, but we are more in the pocket with him.”

Critchlow (6-4, 190) has offers from Mercer ant Tennessee-Martin. He passed for 2,096 yards and 23 TDs, leading Franklin (8-3) to the first round of the Class 6A playoffs last year.

Franklin kicker Corey Fatony, who booted 85 percent of his kickoffs in the end zone last year, has committed to Missouri. His longest field goal was from 48 yards.

Tackle Josh Filbey (6-0, 235) was the district’s defensive lineman of the year in 2013. Center/guard Francois Moolman (6-1, 255) has started since he was a sophomore.

Brice Milam and Malik Grimes probably will get the most carries at running back.

Only three starters return on defense, so Franklin may be stronger on offense early in the season.

The Rebels open the season at home against Northeast (0-1) on Friday.