This fall, the small, rural community of Franklin, Kentucky, came to life on Friday nights in the James “Shadetree” Matthews Stadium, as the Franklin-Simpson Wildcats waged war against their opponents on the gridiron. Here, legends have been born, bonds have been created and the tradition of excellence has been passed down from generation to generation. This season created a brotherhood, and the lessons learned on and off the field molded these players into resilient, disciplined individuals. Throughout the season, the team strived for one goal - winning.
There was tremendous community support for the Franklin-Simpson football team, with thousands of fans filling the stadium at home games to cheer on their beloved Wildcats. Many in the stands were brothers, fathers, uncles and other former players whose legacies were kept alive by the stories told, pictures that hang on the walls at the school and trophies displayed in the locker room. The coaches and players felt pressure to make their football legacy one that would be proudly passed down to future generations of Wildcats and recounted with pride in the community.
“We take pride in playing for not only us and our teammates but what’s come before us and what’s going to come after us.”
Max Chaney, Head coach of Franklin-Simpson’s football team
This tradition of excellence did not happen overnight. It required hard work and dedication year-round. The Wildcats began preparing for the season with weight training in January and practicing in soaring temperatures during the summer. Once the school year began, the team practiced five days weekly, including 5:30 a.m. practices on Thursdays. According to senior middle linebacker and running back Hayden Satterly, “You gotta come in. You got to work. It all starts in January, and hopefully, it ends in December. That’s what you’re praying for. That’s what you’re working for.”
With a legacy of multiple state championship games played by the Franklin-Simpson football program, the players recognized the effort it would take as a team to make it to both the regional and state playoffs. “We hold ourselves to a standard people say is impossible to uphold. If our season doesn’t end with at least a regional championship, really a state championship, we all feel like it’s a disappointment,” Satterly said.
The Franklin-Simpson Wildcats take the field against Greenwood High School in Bowling Green, Ky.
While the players' primary goal was to make it to the championship rounds, the coaches believed the sport was about more than winning. Assistant coach, and parent, Josh Satterly said, “The pressure is not winning. The pressure is making good men out of the boys that we have, and that’s the pressure. Winning is not everything, but, you know, you put the pressure on yourself because you do know the tradition.”
Assistant coach Satterly’s son, Hayden, disagrees: “As a player, I disagree with him… because he said winning isn’t everything. Well, we believe that winning isn’t everything. It’s the only thing.”
Franklin-Simpson High School football player Colin Anderson (#12) avoids a tackle during the game against Greenwood High School in Bowling Green, Ky.
Mason Bratton (#13) and Landon Pennycuff (#65) wait in anticipation of the Wildcats scoring a touchdown during their game against Greenwood High School in Bowling Green, Ky.
Franklin-Simpson High School football fans cheer for the Wildcats as the team advanced for a touchdown at their homecoming game in Franklin, Ky.
Members of the Franklin-Simpson High School football team share a meal before a game in the Wildcat's locker room in Franklin, Ky.
As the season progressed, the players developed tight-knit bonds with each other on and off the field. Each Thursday evening, parent Eddie Link provided dinner for the senior players at his business located in Franklin. “It gives you better chemistry, and it’s just a great time with the team,” said full-back and defensive end Gavin Dickerson. During the team banquet, Mathias Dickerson said, “I feel like we have a lot of gas left in our tank. Nobody wants to lose now that it’s playoff time.”
During their senior dinner in Franklin, Kentucky, players react to Senior middle linebacker and running back Hayden Satterly's haircut given by another player's parent, Eddie Link, before their regional finals game in Franklin, Ky.
The Wildcats advanced to the second KHSAA Class 3A Kentucky High School Football Regional Tournament round against Union County High School on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023. In a battle up until the last minute, the Wildcats’ 2023 season record ended at 9-3, as the team lost against the Union County Braves with a final score of 23-22.
Although Head Coach Max Chaney was disappointed that the season ended without a regional or state title, he emphasized the positive life lessons that football teaches the players. “You’re going to get knocked down, but you have to get back up again and move on,” Chaney said.
Senior Hayden Satterly became a member of the Franklin-Simpson High School football team as a ball boy at the age of 7. While saddened that his high school football career has ended, Satterly noted, “I look back right now and say it’s worth it. Thank God I am a Wildcat.”
After the Wildcat’s 23-22 loss to Union County in the KHSAA Class 3A Kentucky High School Football Regional Tournament, senior middle linebacker and running back Hayden Satterly comforts fellow teammate senior defensive end and offensive guard Tytus Brown. The loss marked the end of Satterly’s high school football career.