The Belleville Tigers closed the 2025 season with a 7‑3 record and secured the KLAA East Division championship, yet the pursuit of a statewide title remained unfinished.
At the center of that resurgence is senior quarterback Kendall Franklin, who inherited the starting role after five‑star recruit Bryce Underwood departed. Franklin completed 123 of 168 passes for 1,873 yards and 25 touchdowns, throwing only a single interception in ten games.
His primary target, sophomore wideout Charles Britton III, emerged as the team’s most consistent receiver, recording 39 catches for 803 yards and three scores. Britton’s breakout performance earned him a No. 13 ranking among Michigan’s 2027 prospects and a commitment to the University of Missouri in June.
A childhood connection fuels a new era
Franklin and Britton have been teammates since elementary school flag football, a bond that translates into precise timing on the field. Their chemistry helped the Tigers navigate a roster that returned only three starters, making the quarterback‑receiver duo indispensable to the offense.
Looking ahead, Belleville will open the 2026 season on August 27 against Grand Blanc, a matchup that could set the tone for a title run. The team is slated to appear in the Amazon Prep Kickoff Classic, a showcase event that will highlight the Tigers’ renewed optimism as they chase a state championship.