The Franklin-Simpson Wildcats will be returning eight offensive players and eight defensive players from their starting lineup which went 6-6 overall last year. However, they are very inexperienced at linebacker; all of their inside and outside linebackers are going to be new players.

Despite only losing nine seniors the Wildcats do not have much depth at any position which will force many guys to play both offense and defense. Avoiding injury will be very important to their late season success.

The Cats have twenty seniors this year, most of which have been playing at the varsity level since their sophomore year and have high expectations from the coaches.

Head Coach Tim Schlosser said "Our biggest strength is our experience at our skill positions." The Cats are very strong in the backfield with outstanding senior quarterback Courtney Dalcourt and senior running back Patrick Flippin. Fellow senior Jim Murphree will share responsibilities between tight end and receiver along with receiver Zach Herrington and tight end Jared Patterson. Murphree is a very smart player with a thorough knowledge of the game, great hands, and standing at 6'5" he is an easy target for Dalcourt.

Dalcourt has had coaches in from Kentucky, Western Kentucky, Duke, Vanderbilt, and Northwestern already visit the school. He's also hearing from South Carolina Auburn, Arkansas, Michigan State, Georgia Tech, Wake Forest and Louisville. As a junior, Dalcourt passed for 1,486 yards and 12 touchdowns. He completed 114 of 200 passes and also rushed for 1,015 yards (6.9 yds per carry) and nine more TDs.

Due to their lack of depth the Wildcats will be relying on their experience especially in Dalcourt, Flippin, Murphree, and Senior Josh Atkins. Atkins will be starting his fourth year on the offensive line. According to Schlosser, "He's kind of the glue that holds our offensive line together. He knows every position on the offensive line and he is a tremendous worker who leads by example."

Dalcourt will be a constant threat to defenses throughout the year with his ability to run as well as throw the football which will give the Wildcat offense plenty of options. Flippin will be running with a little more steam after having added about twenty pounds of muscle to his frame in the off season. Combined with his strength, great hands, and speed defenses should be wary of this seasoned running back. Last season, Flippin averaged 86.9 yards per game elevating him as one of the top ten running backs in class 4A.

"We have a veteran line coming back and we have a lot of athletes. If we continue to work hard like we have been and get stronger and better every day hopefully we can surprise a few people," Dalcourt remarked.

The Wildcats should have no problem putting points up on the board averaging 39.9 last season 5th best in class 4A, and if they are able to overcome their inexperience at linebacker and stay healthy they could have a very successful season.

2008 Schedule
Aug 29 Russellville Russellville 7:00 PM
Sep 6 Daviess County Franklin-Simpson 8:00 PM
Sep 12 ACS ACS 7:00 PM
Sep 19 Russell County Franklin-Simpson 7:00 PM
Sep 26 Warren East Warren East 7:00 PM
Oct 3 Bowling Green Bowling Green 7:00 PM
Oct 10 Open Franklin-Simpson
Oct 17 Muhlenberg South Franklin-Simpson 7:00 PM
Oct 24 Logan County Franklin-Simpson 7:00 PM
Oct 31 Glasgow Franklin-Simpson 7:00 PM
Nov 7 Fort Campbell Fort Campbell 7:30 PM

2007 Results
Aug 24 Russellville Franklin-Simpson 17-29 (L)
Sept 1 Barren County Franklin-Simpson 45-21 (W)
Sept 7 ACS Franklin-Simpson 40-22 (W)
Sept 14 Russell County Russell County 34-21 (W)
Sept 21 Warren East Franklin-Simpson 7-34 (L)
Sept 28 Bowling Green Franklin-Simpson 10-69 (L)
Oct 5 Muhlenberg So. Muhlenberg So. 57-14 (W)
Oct 12 Open Franklin-Simpson N/A
Oct 19 Logan County Logan County 41-21 (W)
Oct 26 Glasgow Glasgow 14-34 (L)
Nov 2 Fort Campbell Franklin-Simpson 7-27 (L)
Nov 9 Logan County Franklin-Simpson 33-17 (W)
Nov 16 Warren East Warren East 14-47 (L)