2026 Football Frenzy Preview: Franklin-Simpson Wildcats
FRANKLIN, Ky. – Our next Football Frenzy preview, presented by Bowling Green Fireplace & Grill, is on the Franklin-Simpson Wildcats.
The team was one of the best in the run game across Class 4A one year ago and is hoping that can carry them to more wins this coming fall.
“ It really takes my o-line, just like last year. I mean, they were making the right blocks, I was running the ball heavy, taking big hits, and we’re just gonna come with the same power and mentality,” senior running back/safety Xavier Hampton said.
“Grit. (We) just play with grit, overcome adversity, and play with each other. (We) play like brothers, like family, and play with love,” senior defensive and offensive lineman Jacob Spears said.
The Wildcats sure loved to pound the ground game in 2025, Hampton leading the charge with over 1,100 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns.
The team is feeling comfortable on offense going into the year, but is looking to sure up the defense.
Bringing a former head coach from the area in to lead that unit in Mikie Benton has FS in good position to grow.
“We’ve always had a good working relationship when we’ve had to go against each other, and we got him over here and talked ball a little while, and then he made the decision to come on over with us,” head coach Max Chaney said. “I think he had multiple offers to go other places. I’m glad he’s with us. He’s very knowledgeable. Kids feed into him a lot, they feed off of him a lot. He can really speak their language, and I’ve seen nothing but great stuff so far.”
“Coach Chaney and entire coaching staff since I’ve been coming over and made the decision to come over, man, it’s been all love,” Benton said. “The players all have been extremely welcoming. You know, everybody over is extremely coachable. A lot of my wardrobe has always been blue and white anyway, so now I kinda get to pull a lot of that back out. It’s been a pretty easy transition, honestly.”
The time to transition from summer practice to Friday night action is coming soon, and everyone in Simpson County is ecstatic to get things underway.
“I can’t even wait. I’d skip all this just to go ahead and start playing right this second. I think we worked hard all summer and we’re ready,” Hampton said.
Franklin-Simpson is scheduled to start the season on August 21 in the J. Allen Builders Bowl, hosted by Warren East, against Whites Creek (TN).
