A 31-20 decisive victory over a talented Decatur Central team last Friday, a team that featured several division one recruits, have the Flashes feeding off of preseason optimism.

The belief that Franklin Central is set to turn the tide in 2017, is spreading throughout the football team and staff. For good reason, the Flashes return a solid nucleus of playmakers and experience at key positions.

A few preseason polls have given Franklin Central consideration to be ranked in class 6A. If you ask them, they’ll tell you that they belong in the discussion.

(Bill Grossman Photography)

Lineman Payton Ditchley likes the idea of flying under the radar, but says team is poised to shock some people. “We are the underdogs this year. We have a lot of unknown talent and weapons on our team. We have worked hard all off season and throughout the summer. We have a pretty tough sectional but we believe as a team we are going to make it out. We are taking it one week at a time and getting better each week” said Ditchley.

Quarterback Dylan Bishop says there is a belief system in place. “The FC Flashes have high expectations for a season to remember. Our coaching staff is doing a great job at preparing us week by week. We will take one game at a time” Bishop said.

Senior running back Jaylen Brown noted the Flashes will “turn some heads” in 2017. Brown, a college prospect with a reported offer from Indiana State, believes the team being more competitive will be the difference this Fall.

A date with defending 4A champion Roncalli on Friday, followed by hosting 2016’s top two teams in Conference Indiana, should give the Flashes a measuring stick for the season. Franklin Central next three opponents had a combined regular season record of 28-2 in 2016. The Flashes lost all three contest with a combined score of 93-21. Bishop says the team is approaching the next three weeks one game at a time. “As a whole we are focused on Friday night’s game against Roncalli, then we will move on to Bloomington South.”