Justin Franklin has stepped into the head‑coach role at Western Hills, bringing with him a decade of sideline experience and a clear mandate to restore stability after a period of frequent changes. His appointment follows a series of coaching transitions that left the program searching for consistency, and he hopes to lay the groundwork for a sustained rise in performance.
A coach rooted in the community
Franklin’s personal connection to Western Hills runs deep; he attended WHHS as a freshman, grew up in the area, and counts a graduate and a former coach among his family members. That local background fuels his commitment to the program and its broader community.
The roster features a core group of returning seniors who have weathered multiple coaching changes, including statistical leaders from previous seasons. Notables such as middle linebacker and tight end Brandon Davis, tight end Brendan Dobbs, and wide receiver Jonathon Gillespie are expected to anchor the team’s effort, while transfer Wesley Coffman will anchor the offensive line.
On offense, Franklin plans a distribution‑heavy scheme that simplifies progressions for quarterbacks Nicholai Kendall and Bradley Stout, who have already seen action in 11 games and combined for 623 passing yards and seven touchdowns. The playbook, boasting more than 1,000 installed concepts, is designed to spread the ball widely and give playmakers flexibility.
Looking ahead
The team comprises 40 players, with 16 seniors poised to lead, and the coaching staff emphasizes playing with class, character and respect. The Wolverines aim to represent the Western Hills community positively while competing aggressively on the field. With a focus on continuity, buy‑in and a balanced attack, Franklin believes the Wolverines can translate their preparation into competitive results. The season will test whether the blend of experience, talent and community spirit can finally deliver the sustained success the program has been seeking.