Frankfort scored on its first possession of the game and never looked back, enroute to a 33-7 win over Bay City All-Saints in the Regional Championship game played at Lockhart Field.

    9:30   FHS –Luxford 46 yd. run  (kick no good)   6-0

                        5  play drive – 80 yds.

                        Key plays – Opening kick touchback – ball at 20.  2^nd play from

scrimmage Brouillet goes 25 yds. on a trap play.  Three plays later Luxford keeps on a inside veer left – cuts back to the right goes the distance.

                        Key blocks on score:  Max Banktson, Alex Gokey, Dave Soper, Brian Nostrandt and Tyler Stratton,

    5:40   FHS – Brouillet 10 yd. run (run no good)  12 - 0

                        4  play drive – 69  yds.

Key plays on drive: Defense 3 play and out for  minus 4 yds. on BCAS’ 1^st series

   Brouillet 54 yd. run on trap (blocks by Soper / Stratton, and great block by receiver Andrew Smeltzer)

   TD on an outside veer to the left – good read by QB, Brouillet ran over

safety to get into endzone

                        Key blocks on TD:  Banktson, Gokey, Soper, Stieve

                        No Scoring – FHS had two opportunities to score.  First came after taking over at own 5 yd. line and driving 80 yards.  The drive used up most of the clock and 10 plays.  Key play to keep the drive alive – Luxford to Banktson on 3^rd and 7 from own 7 yd. line – good for 29 yds. and a 1^st down.  Also in the drive, Nugent 19 yd. run to the 29 yd. line.   Later in the drive 4^th down pass at the 5 yd. line fell incomplete.  

Then after a BCAS faked a punt, FHS tried to score in the last 1:30 but could not convert on a fake field goal attempt.

     3:18   FHS   Luxford on a 2 yd. run (2 pt. pass Luxford to Nugent good)  20 – 0

                           10 play drive (all runs) – 64 yds. 

                           Key plays:  Brouillet for 18 yds. and Luxford for 10 yds.

                            Scoring play:  QB sneak after a Brouillet run to the 2 yd. line

                           Blocks on the sneak:  Nostrandt, Kurtis Demerly, Soper, Stratton,

    A. Gokey

    3:08  BCAS    Wide Receiver took the reverse then threw a reverse pass 51 yds to the

    backside tight end over the outstretched hands of a Panther DB. 

                             Kick good  (20-7)  This was the first play after the kickoff and BCAS

     tried to hit a big trick play to get back into the game.  They executed it    

     well and it really gave them some momentum.

    11:55  FHS    Brouillet 12 yd. run (2 pt. no good)  26-7

                           8 play drive – 65 yds.

                           Key plays:  They had the momentum after the score.  They stuffed us on the 1^st two plays for -2 yds. and then we had a procedure penalty.  He had 3^rd and 17 from our own 28 and called for a timeout.  You could feel the momentum swing and their fans were going crazy.  Their team was fired up.  We came out of the timeout and executed a TE middle screen from Luxford to Banktson that went for 16 yds.  We then went for it on 4^th on 2 at our own 43 and converted on a QB sneak for 5 yds.   We then went down the field in 5 plays to score.  It was a huge score to keep it a three-score ballgame.

                        Key runs: Brouillet for 15 and 17.  TD on an outside veer to the left side.

                        TD Blocks: Banktson, Gokey, Soper, Stieve, Nostrandt, Stratton

    8:19   FHS    Nugent  1 yd. run (Gokey kick)  33-7

                        3 play drive – 9 yd. drive

                        Keys:  Gokey kickoff to All-Saints four yd. line – Their returner, Aaron Janer fumbled out of bounds.

Our defense held the next series to 3 and out for -2 yds.  BCAS punted – a short punt to the 21 where Dan Nugent scooped up a rolling ball on the left sideline and returned it 12 yds to the 9 yd line.  He scored three plays later on a one (1) yd run on a dive over the right side.

Key Blocks:  Nostrandt, Alex Hallan, Stratton and Dane Ruff

Final Score:  FHS 33      Bay City All Saints

                     (11 – 1)               (8-4)

Statistics:

FHS                 Rushing            49 / 344  yds                Passing  2 / 5  44 yds

All Saints          Rushing           35 / 70 yds                    Passing  1 / 5  51 yds (rev. pass TD)

Rushing:

            Brouillet   26 / 205  (2 TD)

            Gokey        2 / 13                                             FHS -  15   1^st downs

            Luxford      10 / 83  (2 TD)                               BCAS -  5  1^st downs

            Nugent        8 / 43  (1 TD)

            Hang           1 / 4

            MacArthrur 1 / 3

Passing:               Luxford         2 / 5    44 yds                          

Receiving:        

                        Max Banktson              2 / 44 yds   

Tackling:

            Banktson          10 Tackles    

Stratton            5 Tackles (3 for losses including 1 sacks)

Tondu              3 tackles 

            Nugent             5 tackles

            Stieve               5 tackles

            D. Gokey         2 tackles (2 for losses)

Keys to the game:

We wanted to establish ourselves early on offense.  We were able to do it by scoring on our first two drives.  We executed well up front early and made the necessary adjustments after BCAS changed their schemes.  Our offensive line did a great job.  Luxford made some good decisions and Brouillet ran with tremendous desire.

We also wanted to minimize mistakes, especially in the big games.  We only had two penalties and no turnovers.  We were extremely pleased at how we took care of the ball especially on a sloppy day.

Our defense got it done again today.  We did not allow BCAS to cross the 50 until they scored on a trick play late in the third quarter.  We have preached defense the entire season and our kids have really taken pride in stopping the opponent.  Their top back game into the game with 1533 yds and we were able to hold him to 18 yards.  I think our kids looked forward to the challenge.  We played excellent defense in the box as our defensive line stuffed most of the gaps.  Our support players did a fantastic job of taking angles and containing the plays.  We had five or six guys on every pile and they were all moving backwards.  Alex Stieve had an outstanding game at corner on defense.  He made five solo tackles and played smart in the secondary.

We had several players step up to fill in with the game on the line.  Kurtis Demerly and Alex Hallan were put into the game and the offense did not skip a beat.  They gave us some valuable minutes and played hard.

I am extremely proud of our players and their commitment to being the best they can be.  What I like about this team is that everyone has a role to play and they do it unconditionally.  We have three or four of the top receivers in the area, yet we have games like this one where we don’t throw much.  We ask them to block and they do it without complaining.  We have other players, including seniors, that have had their roles changed as we reached the playoffs.  Each and every one of our players is committed to doing whatever is best for the team.  This attitude, along with the play of our offensive line and defense, really have been the keys to our success.

I am excited for our kids, especially our seniors.  They have stepped up to each challenge and performed well to win a regional championship, but they are still hungry.  They will be focused and ready as they play for a chance to compete for a state championship. 

We told our kids at the beginning of the year that we felt we had one of the top teams in the state.  Now there are four teams left and we are having a good time trying to earn the opportunity to play for one for week.

Looking ahead: 

Crystal Falls Forest Park.  12-0 and playing in the semi’s for the 5^th straight year?  Four straight trips to the finals and last year’s defending state champions.

They have a big front line and two extremely quick backs.  They pass when they need to but have relied on the run.  We will have our work cut out for us as this we face one of the top teams in the state.  Our kids are excited about the chance to play on the turf and make the trip.

The game will be played on Sat.  Nov. 22 at 1:00pm at the Superior Dome.

FRANKFORT'S DEFENSE CAME TO PLAY, AND PLAY THEY DID, SHUTTING OUT CENTRAL LAKE AND LIMITING THE TROJANS TO JUST 36 YARDS OF TOTAL OFFENSE IN A 27-0 SHUTOUT.

    4:04   FHS –Brouillet 5 yd. run (Alex Gokey kick)  7-0

                        4 play drive – 40 yds.

                        Key plays – Frankfort tackled punter after a fumbled snap – ball at 40 CL

                                    Brouillet 15 yd. run, Luxford 16 yd. run

                        Key blocks on score:  Banktson, A. Gokey, Soper, Nostrandt

    0:14   FHS – Banktson 19 yd. pass from Luxford (Gokey kick)  14-0

                        8 play drive – 70  yds.

Key plays on drive:  Luxford 9 yd. run, Banktson 18 yd. run on a TE reverse. 

                        Keys for TD:  Play action dump pass – fake dive throw to TE in seam

                                    Good catch and run after the catch – dragged three defenders into endzone.

    2:56  FHS –Luxford 34 yd. run (Gokey kick good)  21 – 0

                        8 plays:  80 yd. drive

                        Key plays:  Fumble recovery by Chris Tondu to stop CL drive

                        Key plays in drive:  Brouillet 12 yds. Nugent 16 yds.

                                    Key blocks on TD:  it was an option left.  QB keep, cutback left score

                                        Key blocks by Nostrandt, Stratton, Tondu, and Soper

    1:18 FHS     Scott Tousley 28 TD pass from Luxford (kick blocked)  27 – 0

                        3 plays:  60 yds.

                        Key plays:  following four and out series by CL

                        Key play in drive:  unbelievable one handed circus catch by Banktson 26 yds.

                        Next play – play action right – throwback to Tousley at TE – good run after catch for the TD.

No Scoring

                        No Scoring

Final Score:  FHS 27     Central Lake  0

                     (10 – 1)               (9-2)

Statistics:

FHS                 Rushing            45 / 282 yds.                Passing  4 / 9   76 yds.     2 TD’s

Central Lake    Rushing            33 / 15   yds.                Passing  3 / 11  24 yds.

Rushing:

            Brouillet   12 / 72  (1 TD)

            Gokey        5 / 14                                             FHS -  15   1^st downs

            Luxford      11 / 96   (1 TD)                              CLHS -  5  1^st downs

            Nugent       11 / 55

            Hang          2 / 19

Passing:               Luxford         4 / 9    76 yds.  2 TD                           

Receiving:         Scott Tousley               1 / 28 yds.   1 TD

                        Max Banktson              2 / 47 yds.  1  TD

                        Alex Stieve                   1 / 3   yds.

Tackling:

            Banktson          7 Tackles    

Soper               5 Tackles (4 for losses including 3 sacks)

Tondu              4 tackles  fumble recovery

            Luxford            5 tackles

            Brouillet            5 tackles

            D. Gokey         4 tackles (2 for losses)

            Tyler Jones      fumble recovery

Keys to the game: Coach Staopleton's quotes:

"We felt as if we had a chance to win if we established our ground game early.  Our offensive line really played well.  If they continue to improve, we could be very tough down the road.

Our defense played much improved from last week.  We tackled Central Lake for a loss on 17 or their 44 plays.  Our defensive line was incredible and played with good technique and quickness.  Soper, Stratton, Nostrandt, and Devin. Gokey were all over the place and really established a new line of scrimmage.  Our defensive backfield made some really nice open field tackles.  Our coverage was improved and our defensive backs flew to the ball.  Anytime you can hold scoreless a team that averages 39 points a game  and limit them to just 39 total yards, you are going to be excited. Our kids take defense seriously and love to hit.   

All three of our backs ran well.  Each runner gained some tough yards.  Central Lake has a solid team.  They were quick and aggressive on defense and had some weapons on offense, but we were able to play great defense and finish some drives on offense.

It was extremely important we put some points on the board in the first half.  Wade Luxford threw some really nice passes and our backs and receivers caught the ball and ran well.   Max had a spectacular one handed catch to set up a score. 

Unfortunately, we struggled to put points on the board in the second half.  We were a little sloppy but did get a chance to put our JV’s in for the last six minutes. 

I am excited for our kids.  This is our sixth straight district title and it gives them the opportunity to play for a Regional Championship at home.  We have improved each and every week.  We are having fun and hope to continue this journey into the postseason.

Looking ahead: 

Bay City All Saints:   They are the real deal.  They are quick, fast and tough.  They do not make many mistakes.  They hit well and have been playing their best football of the season.  We will have to play smart and mistake free to beat them.  Our kids are looking forward to the game and to the opportunity to play for a Regional title at home."

The game will be on Sat.  Nov. 15 at 1:00pm.

The Frankfort Panther football team, playing in front of a home crowd, exacted revenge for their only loss of the season, an opening night loss to Marion, at Marion, way back in August. This time the Cats were not to be outdone. They took a 6-0 halftime lead, scored on their first two possessions of the second half, and drove 81 yards, using up five minutes in the fourth quarter to win the game. Marion made a valient effort, scoring with just 54 secoinds left, but their attempt at an onside kick was recovered by the Panthers, who then ran out the clock to seal the victory. 

Frankfort blocked Onekama's first two punts Friday night and one play later turned each into a score to give Frankfort a 13-0 lead before Onekama even had a first down. Halftime saw a 20-0 lead and the Cats cruised to a 40-0 shutout win in the first-ever Friday night game at Onekama's home field. Since the football program began in 1965 with Coach Jim Taylor, almost all games were played on Saturday afternoons, with a rare varsity game played on Friday afternoons. Coach Taylor, a Hall of Famer, has had two stints with the Portagers, the first from 1965-1989 as head coach and the second from 2004-2008 as an assistant.

Quarterback Wade Luxford passed for two touchdowns and ran for two more to lead the Panthers. Max Banktson and Alex Stieve were on the receiving end of the two aerials. The Panther Defense, under Coordinator Cody Mallory limited the Portagers to just 22 yards rushing and 20 yards passing. Banktson lead the team with seven, four of which were for losses.

Frankfort vs Onekama   10/24/08 Frankfort             13      8        14      6                 40Onekama             0        0        0        0                 0 Scoring: 1^st Quarter: 

    10:21  FHS – Luxford 3 yd. run (kick failed)  6-0

                        1 play drive – 3 yds.

                        Key plays – David Soper blocked punt – picked up by Banktson – to the 3

                        Key blocks on score:  Tondu, Nostrandt, Stratton – right side,

                                                Dive right, fake to Brouillet, QB follow for TD.

    8:16   FHS – Brouillet 1 yd. run  (Gokey kick)  13-0

                        2 play drive – 14 yds.

                        Key plays:  Onekama -13 yd. punt (straight up straight down) after

pressure from Stratton

                        Key blocks on TD- Soper, Gokey, Nostrandt (dive left)

                                    TD after 13 yd. gain by Brouillet on trap to right – blocks by Soper,

Banktson, Stratton and Tondu.

 2^nd Quarter:

    8:19  FHS – Alex Stieve 21 yd. pass from Luxford (Gokey kick good)  20 – 0

                        5 plays:  53 yd. drive

                        Key plays:  Luxford 13 and 7 yd. run, Devin Gokey 8 yd. run

                        Nice pass from Luxford to Stieve  3^rd Quarter:

   9:14   FHS – Brouillet 15 yd. run (Gokey kick)  27 – 0

                        6 plays – 52 yds.

                        Brouillet scored on a speed option to the right – pitch from Luxford

                        Blocks from D. Gokey, Stieve, and Tousley

                        Key play:  Brouillet 23 yd. gain on a trap

   4:42   FHS – Banktson 10 yd. pass from Luxford (Gokey kick)  34-0

                        6 plays – 42 yd. drive

                        Banktson catch in left corner of endzone after a bootleg by Luxford

                        Key blocks on TD – Tondu, A. Gokey, and Soper, Williams

                        Key plays on drive:  11 yd. run by Nugent, 13 yd. run by D. Gokey,

4^th Quarter: 

   9:38  FHS -  Luxford 1 yd. run “sneak” – (kick failed)  40 – 0

                        10 plays – 47 yd.s

                        Blocks from Nostrandt, Soper, Tondu

                        Key plays:  12 yd. and 9 yd. run from Brouillet, 9 yd. run from Luxford

Final Score:  FHS 40   Onekama 0

Statistics:

            FHS         Rushing        41 / 284 yds.                Passing  6 / 12  42 yds.  2 TD’s

            Onekama  Rushing     18 / 22   yds.                  Passing  3 / 11  20 yds.

Rushing:

            Brouillet   11 / 103  (2 TD's)

            Gokey        8 / 73

            Luxford      8 / 54 (2 TD's)

            Nugent       8 / 42

            Hang          4 / 12

Passing:               Luxford         6 / 12   42 yds.  2 TD’s                                   

Receiving:         Scott Tousley               1 / 6 yds.   

                        Max Banktson              2 / 14 yds.  1  TD

                        Alex Stieve                   2 / 24 yds.  1  TD

                        Andrew Smeltzer          1 / -2 yds.

Tackling:

            Banktson          7 Tackles    4 tackles for losses

Tondu              4 tackles

            Luxford            5 tackles

Fumbles lost: 1

Keys to the game:

"Our defense did an excellent job.  They had three first downs and only 42 yards of total offense.  We held them to seven yards in the second half."

"Our offensive line has improved each week.  They are very consistent and have been dominating the line of scrimmage.  Ben Williams, David Soper, Alex Gokey, Brian Nostrandt, Chris Tondu, Tyler Stratton, Max Banktson, and Kory Miller have really come together as a unit. This is where games are won and lost, in the trenches.  Our guys are taking a lot of pride in blocking to the whistle and blocking downfield.   We are playing well but still have room to improve.”

“We kept it very basic tonight against an overmatched team that is struggling.  Coach Hunter does a nice job with the Onekama kids but they are young this year.  Our kids executed the option well.  I was disappointed in the execution of our passing game, but it will improve this week.  We have smart, talented kids that are capable of making adjustments as the game progresses."

"We came out strong and leveled off after taking a 13 – 0 lead after only running three offensive plays.  We talked with our players about consistency and intensity at halftime and they responded with a dominating second half.  We just have to keep a constant level of intensity of each ball game regardless of the score or the opponent."

Looking ahead:  We will have the opportunity to host our opening playoff game at home.  Regardless of the opponent, our kids understand every team that makes the playoffs has a 0-0 record.  We will respect all and fear none as we begin our second season.  We have high hopes for this group, but the reality is blocking and tackling determine the outcome of playoff games.  We have played solid defense all year long (giving up 53 points).  We will continue with our philosophy of ball control and minimizing mistakes and turnovers.  Regardless of the brackets, we will play one game at a time, because this time of the year, every game is a state championship.

Frankfort ran wild on the Beecher Bucs from Flint Friday night at Lockhart Field, scoring 46 points while giving up 20 to a bigger, faster team.

Max Banktson chased Zack Fallowfield all the way to the five-yard line before pounding the ball loose with a mighty swing of his fist to preserve a shutout for the Panthers on homecoming night before a large crowd which had gathered to witness the cross-county game against the Benzie Central Huskies. Frankfort won the contest 49-0 to capture the Northwest Conference title outright for the first time since 2004.

1^st Quarter: 

    8:24      FHS -  Wade Luxford 21 yd. run (Alex Gokey kick)  7-0

                        Play was option right with Luxford faking pitch and cutting back to left

                        Drive – 5 plays  47 yds.

                        Key plays:  opening drive for Benzie three and out (0 yds.)

                        Brouillet runs of 14 and 11

                        Key blocks on TD:  Stratton, Tondu, Nostrandt, Banktson

    6:49       FHS – Luxford 46 yd. run (Gokey kick)  14-0

                        Play was option right fake pitch and cut upfield

                        Drive  2 plays  46 yds.

                        Key plays:  Benzie drive 3 and out 

                        Key blocks on TD:  Tousley, Stieve, Stratton, Tondu,  Brouillet

    4:45       FHS – Brouillet 2 yd. run (Gokey kick) 21-0

                        Play was an off tackle lead to the right side

                        Drive:  4 plays 34 yds.

                        Key plays:  Interception by Tousley on Benzie HB pass and 30 yd. return

                        Luxford to Stieve 11 yds.

                        Key blocks on TD from Banktson, Stieve, Stratton, Gokey

   1:59       FHS – Andrew Newbold 30 yd. pass from Luxford  (Gokey kick)  28-0

                        Play was a pass – QB rolled right and hit Newbold on a deep flag pattern

                        Drive:  2 plays – 47 yds.

                        Key plays:  Luxford to Banktson 17 yd. screen pass on 1^st play of drive

2^nd Quarter: 

    6:25       FHS   -  Dan Nugent (from RB) 28 yd. run (Gokey kick)  35 – 0

                        Play was a counter to right side – Nugent went right then cutback to left

                        Drive:  3 plays  - 60 yds.

                        Key plays:  Nugent (at RB) 32 yd. run on option right – took pitch to right

                        Key blocks on TD:  Banktson, soper, A. Gokey, Nostrandt

    2:39       FHS -  Luxford 41 yd. TD run  (Gokey kick)  42-0

                                Drive:  2 plays  44 yds. ---set up by Tondu’s 29 yd. return

                        Key blocks on TD:  Tousley, Williams, Ruff, Smeltzer

4^th Quarter:

    7:47       FHS – Chris Tondu   5yd. run (Gokey kick)  49-0

                        Play was outside veer left – QB gave and Tondu broke tackle to score

                        Drive:  7 plays – 96 yds.

                        Key plays:  Banktson chased down BC receiver and stripped him at the

                                    5 yd. line after BC player caught pass and broke a tackle –

                                    Andrew Smeltzer recovered.

                        Nugent 30 yd. run (RB), Nugent (QB) 11 yd. pass to Dane Ruff, Devin

                          Gokey 51 yd. run

Final Score:  Frankfort        49     6-1  (5-0)

                     Benzie Central  0    0-7  (0-5)

Statistics:

FHS                 Rushing            30 / 331 yds.               Passing   7 / 12    107 yds. 1TD 1Int.

Benzie             Rushing          25 / 19 yds.                     Passing   10 / 20  90 yds.  1 int.

Total yards:

            BC       109

Rushing:

            Brouillet  8 / 43         1 TD

            Gokey      9 / 81

            Luxford   4 / 108      3 TD’s

            Nugent    5 / 100      1 TD

            Lentz        1 / 6

            Tondu      2 / 8          1 TD

Passing:               Luxford         6 / 11   96 yds.

                          Nugent          1 / 1      11 yds.

Receiving:            Banktson       2 -  30

                           Stieve            2 -  18

                           Newbold       1 – 30

                           Smeltzer        1 – 18

                           Ruff               1 - 11

Tackling:

            Banktson          14 tackles  (unbelievable - caused fumble on BC breakaway run)

            Brouillet            8

            Lentz                10  including five (5) special teams tackles

            Tondu             4

            Smeltzer           3

            Soper               3

            Williams had sack,   Tousley interception          

FHS tackled BC for loss on 6 plays

Penalties:          FHS  5  / 45 yds.          Benzie  1 / 5

Quotes and Keys to the game:

We were pleased at how our defense and special teams set the tone early.  Alex Gokey kicked the ball well and we played with a short field after pinning them deep.  We were aggressive and made some solid open field tackles. 

Wade made some great decisions while running the option and also showed good speed.

Dan Nugent really played well at running back.  He ran the ball hard and made some nice cuts.  

Benzie is struggling and we capitalized early.  We were able to get all of our kids into the game in the first quarter and we executed on both sides on the ball.

Our offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage all night long. 

Our defense allowed 4 (four) first downs and only one big play.  It was our third shutout of the season and we have allowed 33 points on the season (4.7 per).  We gave up 13 points in the conference this year and our defense was the key to our conference championship.

I’m excited for our kids.  To win the conference title outright and qualify for the playoffs, at homecoming, versus Benzie Central, was pretty incredible.  Our kids set a goal to win the league and they worked extremely hard to achieve that goal.  Now they bring the championship trophy home to Frankfort, where it belongs.  (last title was in 2004)

We are happy to qualify for the playoffs for the 14^th straight season.  The hope is that we continue to get better.  We must keep working hard, stay focused, and finish out the non-conference schedule strong.  Our next goal will be trying to secure home field for the playoffs.

I am extremely proud of our seniors.  They have provided good leadership and have remained focused on their goals. 

Flint Beecher is a scary team.  They have size, speed, and have a QB who can throw the ball 50 plus yards. They are still chasing the playoffs and will be hungry.  They will be well coached by former NFL star Courtney Hawkins.

JV game @ 4:00          Varsity game @ 7:00

With a stingy, attacking defense, featuring two interceptions, and a grind-it-out offense that controlled all but a minute and a half of the fourth quarter, Farankfor scored on its first and second possessions on the way to defeating the Kingsley Stags 20-7and clinching at least a share of the Northwest Conference championship Friday night at Kingsley.

1^st Quarter: 

    9:55      FHS -  Devin Gokey 4 yd run  (kick no good)  6-0

                        3 play drive – 8 yds   Set up by Wade Luxford interception on the second

play of the game and return of40 yds to Kingsley 8.

                        Key blocks on TD run:  Banktson, A. Gokey, D.Soper, and Tondu

    6:04       FHS -  Wade Luxford 14 yd run  (2pt pass Luxford to Kyle Brouillet)  14-0

                        8 plays – 68 yds  -  Drive set up by good defensive stand and short punt

                        Key plays in drive:  Luxford to Banktson for 37 yds on 3 and 4

                        Key on TD:  Luxford option fake left, fake pitch cut up field for TD

                                    Blocks by Banktson, A. Gokey. Andrew Newbold, Nostrandt

2^nd Quarter: 

    6:17       FHS   -  Wade Luxford 26 yd run (kick blocked)  20 – 0

                        3 plays -  39 yds   Drive set up by good punt return Chris Tondu 16 yds

                                    To the Kingsley 39 yd line with highlight film block by Stratton

                        Key plays on Drive:  Great option fake to right to running back fake pitch

                                    Cut back and score untouched.   

                        Key blocks on TD:  Stratton, Tondu, Banktson, Nostrandt, excellent run

    0:31     Kingsley -  Maurice Sims  6 yd TD run  (kick good)

                        15 play drive – 60 yds   Drive after our TD to go 20 – 0

                        Kingsley responded by driving down 60 yds and chewing up clock to take

                        A score just before a half.  They scored on a dive over the left side.

                        No scoring

4^th Quarter:

No scoring

Final Score:  Kingsley 7      FHS 20

                      4-2 (3-1)            5-1  (4-0)

Statistics:

FHS                 Rushing            38 / 186 yds                 Passing   1 / 5        37 yds 1 int

Kingsley          Rushing         44 /   147  yds                  Passing   2 / 6        13 yds 2 int

  Total yards:

            FHS     223

            KHS    160

Rushing:

            Brouillet  13 / 93

            Gokey      8 / 16

            Luxford    14 / 77  2 TD

Passing:               Luxford         1 / 5  37 yds

Receiving:            Banktson    1 – 37 yds

Tackling:

            Banktson          16 tackles  (and three monster hits)

            Brouillet            6

            Tondu             12

            Luxford          4

            Soper               6

            Nugent             6

            Soper, all had sacks

Interceptions:

            Luxford and Brouillet

FHS tackled SB for loss on 13 plays

Penalties:          FHS  8  / 65 yds           Kingsley  2 / 25

Quotes and Keys to the game:

* After two three and outs for our only two possessions of the 3^rd quarter.  We made two big stops when Kingsley was driving.  The second stop on 4^th down was at our own 12 yd line.  We took possession of the ball at 10:26 and after a holding penalty, kept the ball the rest of the game – the entire quarter.  We converted on two 4^th and 1 situations and kept the chains moving and used the clock.  We finished the game with a 15 play 88 yd drive ending the game by taking a knee at the 14 yd.

Our defense provided excellent field position early in the game and we took advantage of those opportunities.  We were able to hold them to one first down in the first quarter and had a big interception on the second play of the game.  Kingsley has a very explosive team (avg. 35 pts/gm) and we were able to contain their speed and not allow any big plays.  The interception on the second play of the game really set the tone.  We scored three plays later and really played with a lot of confidence for the rest of the game.

We had a number of players come up with big plays on defense.  This has been the story of our season.  Our defense line and linebackers played strong at the line of scrimmage and our secondary contained the big play and came up to support the run.

I am extremely excited that these young men have earned the opportunity to play for an outright conference championship this week.  Tonight they played turnover free football and executed on both offense and defense.  Kingsley has a good football team.  Our kids played with great heart and intensity and we hit all night long.  Our punt team executed well and pinned them deep inside the ten yard line on two different occasions.

We still have plenty of mistakes to improve upon, but I am really proud of how this group is playing as a team.  They are willing to do the little things. They are willing to be selfless and not worry about stats or highlights.  They just worry about TEAM.

On defense, Max Banktson and Chris Tondu were everywhere, making 16 and 12 tackles respectively.  Dave Soper also had a number of key tackles, including a big sack on 3^rd down deep in Stag territory.  We had a couple of big hits on defense and on special teams that had a huge impact on the game.

Kyle Brouillet had his best game of the year.  He made a number of good cuts and also broke several tackles, especially on our last drive.  Tyler Stratton also had a good game at offensive tackle and had a several big hits during the night.

Benzie:

We will be focused and expect Benzie to give us a great game.  You can throw out the records when these two teams play.  We have only earned a share of the conference championship.  Our goal is to win it outright.  This Friday night, at our homecoming, we will play for a conference championship.  Benzie is a team that has been getting better every week and they have nothing to lose.  We will not take them lightly. 

Though it was a warm mid-seventies, muggy night by the bay, Frankfort's defense froze the Norse offense on their own field on Homecoming night and stifled three Suttons Bay drives deep in Panther territory, with two defiant goal line stands to lead the Panthers to a 14-0 shutout Friday night. The Norse offense could muster a total of only 94 yards for the game against the determined Panther squad. 

1^st Quarter:     No Scoring

2^nd Quarter: 

    11:15   FHS – Kyle Brouillet 6yd run  (Alex Gokey kick)  7 – 0

                 1 play drive – after Tyler Stratton recovered a fumble at the SB 6 yd line

                 FHS had thrown an interception at the 7 yd line and SB fumbled on 3^rd down

                Key blocks on TD – It was a trap to the right – Blocks by trapper David Soper,

Nostrandt, Tondu and Stratton 

                        No scoring

4^th Quarter:

   10:02                FHS  -  Wade Luxford 1 yd run  (Alex Gokey kick)  14 - 0

                                    Drive:  6 play  32 yds

                                    Key plays:  Banktson 28 yd catch to the 2 yd line on 4^th down

                                    Key blocks on TD – Nostrandt, Soper, and Tondu.

Final Score:  SB 0      FHS 15

                  3-2 (1-2)    4-1  (3-0)

Statistics:

            FHS      Rushing           39 / 122 yds                 Passing   4 / 8        34 yds 1 int

            SB        Rushing         35 /   66  yds                  Passing   4 / 9        29 yds 2 int

  Total yards:

            FHS     156

            SB       95

Rushing:

            Brouillet  14 / 62  1 TD

            Gokey      14 / 48 

            Luxford    8 / 22   1 TD

            Banktson  1 / 2

            Hang        1 / 0

Passing:               Luxford         4 / 7  34 yds

                           Banktson      0 / 1 

Receiving:            Banktson    2 – 29 yds

                           Stieve         2 – 5  yds

Tackling:

            Banktson          9 tackles

            Brouillet            8

            Tondu             7

            Luxford          4

            Soper, Gokey, Stratton, Luxford all had sacks

            Stratton had a fumble recovery

Interceptions:

            Luxford and Banktson 

FHS tackled SB for loss on 13 plays

Penalties:          FHS  8  / 70 yds           SB  9 / 65

Quotes and Keys to the game:

We are excited to be 3-0 in the conference as we head up to Kingsley to play for at least a share of the conference title.

Our defense played inspired football.  We had given up 35 and 33 points to Suttons Bay the last two years.  We made a couple of big stands and kept them off the scoreboard.  Our kids have taken a great deal of pride in our defense.  They finished with less than 100 yards of total offense and only rushed for 66 yards (1.8 yds a carry).  We had several tackles for losses and made big plays when we needed them. SB had a first and goal from the 8 yd line late in the 2^nd quarter, but the Panthers held on four plays.  I would like to give credit to Coach Mallory and Coach Pratley for preparing a great gameplan on defense.

We took advantage of great field position and a couple of Suttons Bay turnovers.

We were patient and conservative on offense.  We executed our gameplan and kept the clock moving. 

Our special teams did an excellent job with protection, kicking and coverage.

Alex Stieve did a good job longsnapping and Kyle Brouillet and Alex Gokey shared the kicking duties.

Our offense struggled to get first downs against a stingy SB defense.  We still had too many penalties and turnovers (3).  Our second TD was set up by a fourteen (14) yard punt return from Chris Tondu.  We were facing 4^th and 11 from the SB 30 yard line when Luxford lofted a pass toward Max Banktson, who was double covered at the time.  Banktson jumped and made an incredible catch to keep the drive alive down to the SB 2 yard line.  Luxford then punched it in two plays later.

Our front seven on defense played extremely well.  Stratton, Soper, Ben Williams, Nostrandt and Devin Gokey really put the pressure on the SB offense.  Our LB’s (Tondu, Brouillet, and Banktson) played down hill and had numerous big hits.

Kingsley:

Has a really good team.  They have shut out their last two opponents and they have a couple of dangerous players who have good speed.  They are playing extremely well right now.  It should be a very competitive ballgame for a share of the conference.

We must shut down their run game if we want to compete.  Our kids are looking forward to playing in this game.

Frankfort's defense finally got the shutout it has been working for, and the offense played nearly flawlessly Friday night at Lockhart Field, as the Panthers rolled over the visiting Lakers from Glen Lake 35-0. In fact that was the score at halftime and Frankfort called off the dogs and put in the subs to start the second half.

    0:09      FHS  - Max Banktson 20 yd pass from Wade Luxford (Alex Gokey kick)  7-0

                        10 plays – 63 yds

                        Key plays – 7 yd pass to Banktson and 7 yd run by Brouillet

                        Key Blocks on TD – Chris Tondu, Tyler Stratton, David Soper

                        Nice touch pass from Luxford

2^nd Quarter:   

 9:00        FHS -   Wade Luxford 55 yd run  (Alex Gokey kick)  14- 0

                        2 plays – 63  yds

                        Key plays:  8 yd run by Gokey and then TD run (same play / just keep QB

                        Key on TD:  Good run fake to Gokey and Luxford ran around right end

                                                Picked up good blocks from Stratton, Tondu and Banktson

6:00        FHS – Kyle Brouillet 30 yd TD run (Alex Gokey kick)  21-0

                        1 play – 30 yds

                        Key plays:  18 yd punt return by Tondu (plus a 15 yd late hit on GL)

                        Key blocks:  Good blocks on right side by Stratton, Banktson and a lead

on the corner by D. Gokey.  Alex Gokey with a good downfield block.

2:15        FHS – Andrew Newbold 19 yd TD from Luxford (Alex Gokey kick)  28-0

                        4 plays – 33 yds

                        Key plays:  14 yd punt return by Tondu, 9 yd pass to Stieve from Luxford

                        Perfect ball and great catch by Newbold at the goal line of the right pylon. 

                        He made the catch and extended into the endzone.

0:10        FHS – Banktson 47 yd pass from Luxford  (Alex Gokey kick)  35-0

                        2 plays – 47 yds

                        Key play:  good fake then QB boot by Luxford and block by Tondu. 

Luxford lofted ball and Banktson went up high to catch it, came

down with it and ran it in.

Final Score:  35 - 0

Running clock 2^nd half

Statistics:

            FHS                 Rushing    29 / 217 yds Passing   6 / 10   114 yds  3 TD

            Glen Lake        Rushing    31 / 61  yds  Passing  5 / 10      73 yds

Rushing:

            Luxford            4 / 71  1 TD

            Brouillet            8 / 82  1 TD

            Gokey              10 / 50

            Lentz                  3 / 6

            Nugent               2 / 4

            Hang                  1 / 1

Passing:               Luxford         6 / 10  114 yds  ( 3 TD)

Receiving:         Banktson    3 / 74 yds  (2 TD)

                        Tousley      1 / 12 yds

                        Newbold    1 / 19 yds  1 TD

                        Stieve          1 / 9 yds

Kickoffs:   Alex Gokey   6 kickoffs for a 30 + average

                                                                                    ** Glen Lake did not have a turnover

Tackling:

            Chris Tondu  8 tackles

            Kyle Brouillet  7 tackles

            Max Banktson 6 tackles (did not play defense in 2^nd half)

            Tyler Stratton 5 tackles  (4 for loss)

            Dave Soper  5 tackles (3 for loss)

            Andrew Smeltzer  5 tackles

Penalties:          FHS  1  / 5 yds Glen Lake   7 / 55 yds

Quotes and Keys to the game:

I really felt like we executed in all three facets of the game, offense, defense, and special teams.  Our offense moved the ball consistently.  We eliminated mistakes, penalties and turnovers and we hit some big plays.  Defensively, we were able to shut down their veer running game and keep them out of the endzone.  We really improved our special teams as Alex Gokey did a tremendous job placekicking and our long snappers, coverage and return teams fared well.

Wade Luxford had a solid game for us.  He threw the ball well and made good decisions running the option.  Banktson gave us a good effort at tight end and both Brouillet and D. Gokey ran the ball tenaciously.  At times, we showed signs of becoming pretty good team.  We have much to improve upon, but feel like we’ve taken a step in the right direction.

Tyler Stratton was a force on both sides of the ball.  He had key blocks from his right tackle position and could not be blocked on defense.  He has gotten better with every game.

Alex Gokey kicked extremely well and really helped us with field position.  Two kickoffs were down to the five with returns to the 18yd line.  He was perfect on his PAT attempts.

Our defense continues to get better.  Our linebackers are flowing well to the ball and our secondary is becoming aggressive.  We would still like to improve each and every week.

Our kids really had fun and enjoyed playing a smart, clean, and disciplined ballgame.  We got off the ball well and hit them on every single play.

Next week:  Suttons Bay (2-2, 1-1)  last year’s league champs and the team that beat FHS  last year.  They are playing extremely well.  They have good size, great speed and are very active on defense.  They will be an extremely tough opponent.

They have an excellent running game with two game-breaking backs.  One has great speed and the other is a really tough to bring down.  We must the contain the run and not allow the big play.

This is a must win if we still want to compete for a Northwest Conference Championship.

We will treat this like it is a conference championship.

After a shaky first quarter, Frankfort went on to defeat the Mesick Bulldogs Friday night September 12, at Mesick. The Panthers had 501 yards of offense and limited Mesick to 37 yards on the ground and 183 in the air. Three Panther rushers went over 100 yards rushing for the game. Quarterback Wade Luxford led the Panther offense with 105 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Devin Gokey rushed for 116 yards and scored once. Kyle Brouillet tallied 108 yards and a two-point conversion. Dan Nugent completed the scoring with a 13-yard run. Alex Gokey added one point-after kick. A Ben Brown- -to Cody Simerson pass for nine yards was the only Mesick score. See box scores, stats and Coach Stapleton's comments below:

After a ragged start to the 2008 season and a loss to Marion 13-8 the Frankfort Panthers got back on track with a convincing 34-6 win over the visiting Manton Rangers. After kicking to the Rangers to start the game, the Panthers stopped them on three plays, forcing a punt. A quarterback sneak on their first play resulted in a 70-yard touchdown by Wade Luxford. The two-point attempt failed, but the Cats went on to cruise to victory.

Frankfort's 2008 season opener didn't exatly go as planned. The Panthers travelled to Marion to test their readiness to make a playoff run and perhaps get over the hurdle of a Regional Championship. The host Eagles, however, had plans of their own to avenge two earlier losses to the Panthers in recent years. The Panther offense struggled all night to sustain a drive, most of them marred by turnovers and untimely penalties, and the Eagles came away with a 13-8 victory over the Frankfort squad. See details below.

HIGHLIGHTS and COACH STAPLETON'S REMARKS:

Frankfort vs Crystal Falls Forest Park    11/22/08

Frankfort             0   6   0   0   6

CFFP                      0   8   0   0   8

1^st Quarter:

No Scoring:

CFFP  - 1^st drive:  6 plays – 12 yds – one first down, aided by a facemask penalty on a failed third down coversion.  Used up 5 minutes of clock and then had a 50 yd punt.

FHS – 6 play drive – 57 yds  (luxford 24 yd run and pass to Banktson for 30 yds.  Drive stalls at the CFFP 20 yd line on a fumble by Brouillet.

CFFP – 2^nd drive – 14 play drive – 62 yd drive used rest of 1^st period and part of 2^nd quarter.  Drive after three plays appeared to be stopped after a 3^rd down tackle on a TE reverse for a six yd loss (penalty called on the play for a late hit as two tied up linemen fell on the pile (one from each school).  15 yds and a first down.    Four first downs later, including two 4^th down conversions that required measurements, crystal falls fumbles at the FHS 30.

2^nd Quarter:

FHS -  3 plays and out – Punt by Brouillet  27 yds

CFFP 1:44   10 play drive:  81 yds  (9 runs 1 pass)

                On 3^rd down from their own nine, CFFP completes a deep pass (out and down) for 53 yds.  They then run six straight running plays to score on a 1 yd run. 

                Scoring play:  TB one yard run to the right side (2pt pass good from QB to TE in the corner of the endzone on a nice catch keeping both feet inbounds.  8-0

FHS – :58    4 plays – 58 yards (3 pass 1 run)

                Good return after kick from Dan Nugent (18 yds).  Complete pass from Luxford to Tousley for 9 yds.  Incomplete pass to Tousley.  CFFP calls timeout.  FHS spreads the field no backs and runs QB sneak for 2yds and a first down.  FHS goes no huddle, lining up in the same formation.  Luxford throws a lateral pass to the left to Bankston , who catches the ball and then launches a 50 yard bomb to a wide open Alex Stieve down the left sideline for a touchdown.  (Two pt screen pass to Banktson is stopped at the two yard line no good)  8-6

At the half:  FHS:  16 plays – 133 yds (99 pass, 34 run)  Ball for seven minutes.

                       CFFP:  34 plays – 144 yds (74 pass, 70 run)  Ball for 17 minutes.

3^rd Quarter:  No scoring

                FHS – opening drive 12 plays – 73 yds. including 32 yd run from Luxford, 15 yd pass luxford to Nugent.  Facing a 4^th and five from the 15, FHS elects to attempt the 32 yd field goal. The field goal attempt had a plenty of distance, actually looked to go over the top of the right post.  Wide right by a foot (maybe). 

                CFFP – good kickoff and coverage by FHS.  Three and out .  1 total yd.  29 yd punt.  Fair catch by Tondu.

                FHS – 2^nd drive:  8 plays 32 yds (5 run, 3 pass)  Luxford for 18, 9 yds.  One pass to a wide open Banktson tipped at the line and another pass for TD dropped.  FHS elects to attempt a 37 yd field goal on 4^th and 10.  Kick has plenty of leg, just wide left.

                CFFP – 3 plays – 5 yds .  Three and out.  35 yd punt – 5 yd return  by Tondu. 

                FHS – 6 plays – 35 yds (end of third, start of 4^th)– All runs:  14 from Luxford, 8 from Brouillet, fumble from Luxford at the end of a run at the 14 yd line (after getting first down). 

4^th Quarter:

                CFFP – 9 plays – 31 yds (4 pass, 5 run) – three first downs, used six minutes of clock.  After a 3^rd down stop, CFFP punt goes 51 yards to the Frankfort 4 yd line. 

FHS -   Four minutes to go, ball at the four yard line.  FHS has a fourth and 3 from their own 11.  Luxford gets the first down on a four yard sneak to the right.  On first down, pass to Nugent on the left sideline is intercepted by a onehanded catch of a tipped ball. 4 play drive – 11 yards.

CFFP – takes over with 3:45 to go.  They put together a 7 play – 17 yd drive.  Turn it over on downs at the FHS 19.

FHS – four plays – two sacks, a dropped pass over the middle and a complete pass for 7 yards on a fourth and 9.

CFFP – takes a knee.  Game over.

2^nd half stats: 

                FHS -  29 plays – 156 yards (22 pass, 134 rush)

                CFFP – 21 plays – 54 yards (18 pass, 36 run)

Total yards:

                FHS – 289 yards (121 passing, 168 rushing)

                CFFP – 196 yards (92 passing, 104 rushing)

Statistics:

FHS:  Rushing:  Luxford – 12 / 121       Brouillet -  16 / 44      Nugent – 2  /  3

Passing:   Luxford -  6 / 16  73 yds    Banktson – 1 / 1  48 yds  TD

Receiving:  Banktson-  2 / 29       Tousley -  3 / 29   Stieve-  1 / 48     Nugent-  1 / 15 yds

Tackles:  Banktson – 15      Nugent-8     Stieve-6     Soper – 5    Brouillet – 5

“Our kids played their hearts out and left everything on the field.  It is a heartbreaking loss as we outplayed CFFP in every aspect of the game except for the scoreboard.  Unfortunately, in the playoffs, it is the only thing that counts.  It is a tough lesson for our kids.  Sometimes in life, things don’t always go the way you want them to.  Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you get disappointed.  My hope is that these young men will not dwell on the disappointment of this loss, but rather the outstanding season they had with 11 straight wins and a regional championship.”

“We felt like we could move the ball on this team.  We only had the ball for a short time in the first half, but dominated the time of possession in the second half.  We made a formation adjustment at halftime and took advantage of their alignment.  We had several scoring opportunities, deep in their territory, that ended in either missed field goals or fumbles.  While CFFP’s defense bent, they made the big plays when they had to on 3^rd down and to cause some turnovers.”

“We anticipated a low scoring game.   We have taken care of the ball all year long, but had three turnovers today at crucial times.  We only had two penalties, but both were on 3^rd down to give CFFP a new set of downs.”

“I was pleased at our composure and how we responded after CFFP’s first score.  Our players executed the double pass to perfection.  It was a huge play and I felt like we had some momentum and kept it until late in the fourth quarter.”

“Our defense really played tough.  We spent the entire first half on defense and allowed one big play.  After some small adjustments at the half, we dominated on defense for the next two quarters.  They hadn’t completed a pass in two games, but hit five important ones for 90 yards against us.  This was a major factor in the ballgame, especially early.“

“They did a nice job of containing our running game and while we threw well in the first half, we struggled in the second.  Wade ran well despite a groin injury and kept moving the chains in the second half. “  Chris Tondu also had a solid game on both sides of the ball after missing the week of practice with a hamstring injury.  “We have tough kids.  All of them have played hurt at some point this season.  They are all heart and truly believe in playing to the best of their ability on every single play.”

“I cannot say enough about our seniors.  They have done everything we have asked them to.  They were leaders by example and really bought into the “team concept”.  They have nothing to be ashamed of.  Each of our seniors has had a tremendous impact on our program.  They won four districts and one regional title and played in 49 games.   I will miss each of them and congratulate them on their tremendous success.”

“We also have really talented underclassman that excelled in their respective roles this year.   I know they will be eager to work hard to try to get back to semifinal next year.

“Our players and coaches are thankful for all the support of the school and community this past season.”