This Franklin team is the best team to come out of the region since 2005. 2006 Ravenwood was good, but people forget that their defense wasn't much of anything after the first round of the playoffs--they gave up 28, 29, and 28 in wins against Antioch, Hunters Lane, and White Station before Smyrna dropped 35 on them in the title game. Franklin hasn't given up more than 14 points since October 3. They have an unbelievable amount of experience on both sides of the ball....their QB (a Mr. Football Finalist) has been playing for the better part of three years and has a lot of playoff games under his belt. He may not wow you with his statistics but he rarely makes mistakes and is extremely well coached. The receivers make plays when they need to and they have great chemistry with Nichols.
The running game is scary. Lee and Ford are both juniors and both have had outstanding seasons in one of the state's toughest regions.
I would say Franklin's biggest strength is line play on both sides of the ball. The O-Line is absolutely outstanding--one of the best I've seen and the defensive guys (led by JD Jervis) wreak havoc all game long. This team has no discernible weakness and has every tool necessary to bring home a gold ball. That said, there are a ton of variables in a football game.
Although they have experience, Franklin hasn't made it this far under Clayton, so you don't know how they will react. However, I've watched them for the last four years and I felt like the quarterfinals were the big hump for them...they have gotten over that hump and there's no reason why they shouldn't move past White Station on Friday night.
I'm an Independence fan, but my allegiance is solely to the Rebels right now. Good luck boys...represent 6-5A well!