Franklinton Red Rams 2025 Season Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we approach the end of July, we're getting closer to the beginning of the season. So, we're continuing our team preview series.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Franklinton Red Rams will feel the full weight of realignment, as they'll move into a completely new conference full of unfamiliar teams. Will that help them bounce back from a disappointing season? Here, we give our thoughts on the new 6A team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Franklinton Red Rams Season Preview</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Info</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Michael Justice</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2024 Record: </strong>2-8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Conference: </strong>Northern Six 6A/7A</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key 2025 Games: </strong>vs. Knightdale (10/3), @ Heritage (10/10), vs. Wake Forest (10/24)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Storyline</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Realignment is at the top of mind for many this offseason, but few more than Franklinton. The offense struggled last year in conference play, leading to some lopsided losses after an extremely competitive non-conference slate, but the Red Rams move to a gettable Northern Six 6A/7A conference in 2025, which could be the boost they need.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are a bunch of toss-up games on this schedule, and if Franklinton can find a go-to offensive weapon, it could flip the script and give the Red Rams enough to turn some of last year's close losses into wins. But, they've got to find some consistency on offense, as a repeat of last year's 11 points per game won't help them make much headway.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Franklinton Red Rams Players</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Offense</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The key this year will be how big of a step forward 2026 QB <strong>Keith James</strong> can take. He started strong last season, completing 56% of his passes through four games in the non-conference, but slowed down and split time in the conference slate. He'll need some help at the skill positions, but a bit more consistency will really help the offense gain some confidence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The good news for the Red Rams is that they return most of their skill position production. Leading rusher <strong>Alijah Durham</strong> returns, as does the powerful <strong>Karik Alston</strong>. The Red Rams do lose two senior receivers from last year, but return rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1722985' first='Jamaal' last='Epps']</strong>, who could be in for a big year as an offensive focal point.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The offensive line is experienced, led by talented senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1722983' first='Kenneth' last='Middleton']</strong> at left guard and the smaller, but talented rising junior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1608329' first='Oscar' last='Riggle']</strong> on the inside. Rising sophomore <strong>Javian Banner</strong> has some experience while sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1723065' first='Aiden' last='Lynch']</strong> has true tackle size and sits on our watchlist as we await some game film.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If I had to venture a guess, I'd say rising sophomores <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1671100' first='Jamal' last='Jones']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1722960' first='Amari' last='Blacknall']</strong> will be keys on offense. Jones has size that Franklinton doesn't have elsewhere, while Blacknall's skill set from the slot is unique on the Red Rams' offense. Blacknall flashed as a freshman with 101 scrimmage yards on just seven touches (and he also threw a 75-yard touchdown for the Red Rams' biggest play of the season). Jones hasn't seen much. Jones' athletic profile leads me to believ ehe could be a weapon on shot plays, with 4.7 speed, a 31-inch vertical, and true big X size.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Defense</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Through seven games last season, the Franklinton defense had allowed just 18.6 points per game, before getting worn down late in the season. And much of that strong defensive unit is back in 2025, giving the team a good starting point from which to grow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Red Rams return 10 of their 13 leading tacklers and are deep along the defensive line. They lose their best pass-rushers, but <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1659583' first='Omari' last='Taylor']</strong> returns on the interior and senior linebackers <strong>Walter Royster</strong> and <strong>Trey Macholl</strong> flashed as blitzers last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's some projection needed at the edge rusher positions, but I'm intrigued by both transfer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1723350' first='Barrett' last='Clifton']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1723369' first='Cam' last='Jenkins']</strong>. Neither comes in with much proven production, but it's hard to ignore that each is over 6'5" with long arms. If either (or both) develop into true pass-rushers, it'll add a dimension that the defense didn't have in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nickel/safety/linebacker hybrid <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='854270' first='Jonathan' last='Manson']</strong> has had a strong offseason as the high-academic, versatile playmaker finally earned his first scholarship offer and he's a candidate to take a big step forward in 2025. On the back end, <strong>Ethan Paramore</strong> will look to take another step forward after a strong sophomore year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Make no mistake, the defense will carry this team, but it should get more help from the offense in 2025 and even small strides will go a long way towards building to a winning season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Verdict</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This offense will be better than last year. The question is how much improvement that unit can make. If the step forward is significant, Franklinton will come out on top of some of those close games. This team isn't far away from a winning season and the schedule could help this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The non-conference is extremely gettable, as I think the Red Rams could enter conference play with a winning record, if they're not closer to being undefeated. If they hit October with some momentum, don't count them out from being competitive in the conference.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Momentum will be key for the Red Rams as one loss could spiral into two or three. But one win could cascade into three or four.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'd expect the record to be better this year, given the experience of the defense and the upside of the offense to be more competitive. If the offense can give them just a bit more, it'll be Franklinton's best season in nearly a decade.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>A special thanks to Franklinton head coach Michael Justice for sharing his prospect sheet and thoughts on his team. <em>Want to send this report to someone who isn't a subscriber? Support our work with promo code Helms30 so they can get 30% off their first billing cycle.</em></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->