FRANKLINTON — Franklinton’s football team did not have a great 2019 to say the least. The Red Rams will try to bounce back with a 3A state playoff appearance this year.

Last season, Franklinton only beat two teams: Bunn and Louisburg. The wins over the in-county rivals were great, but head coach Jimmy Williams said the 0-5 record to the conference opponents was the focal point.

“Last year was tough for everyone involved,” Williams said. “The team never learned how to gel together. We lost too many close games.”

In order to bounce back from a 2-9 season, Franklinton will have to go back to the basics. Williams said there are two things the team needs to do in order to go back to winning games again.

“On the field, we can’t turn the ball over,” Williams said. “Off the field, we have to wear our masks and stay healthy during this COVID-19 pandemic.”

Franklinton will return plenty of starters from last year and most of them are seniors this season. Williams said leadership from his players will help the team improve drastically both on and off the field. He named six players who he thinks can guide the Red Rams to success this year.

“Kenny Cornell will enter his senior year as the team captain and starting quarterback,” Williams said. “We will also have Will Germann setting the tone on defense. Herb Cornell, Devin Patterson, Joseph Murphy and Dashawn Butts are all looking to make big-time plays. Those six players have started all three years on our varsity program. We’re hoping their senior leadership can see us through this crazy year.”

With senior leaders in place and a new season to look forward to, Franklinton has nowhere to go but up in 2021. Williams said the main goal is for the team chemistry to propel the Red Rams to new heights.

“We would like to have a winning season this year,” Williams said. “We want to make the playoffs. I want us to gel into the team I think we can be. We have the potential.”

Franklinton will play against Southern Lee at home Friday Feb. 26 at 7 p.m.