Dillard combines discipline with talent to make major strides

As Keith Franklin loosened the tie around his neck, getting ready to prepare his Dillard football team for battle in a pre-season game against defending 3A state champion Glades Central, it was evident that there would be no backing down.

Franklin has never backed down. Not as a student/athlete, who attended Northeast High and Plantation American Heritage, or a coach who has been instrumental in helping to turn South Broward, McArthur and Dillard around.

Franklin is someone who will teach you, laugh with you and show you how to play the game the right way. He is tough on his players, and he gets results. It’s all about discipline, and for someone who learned long ago that you win and lose as a team, he makes no concessions.

“You work hard, you practice hard and you win,” Franklin said. “Hard work and discipline always equal success. Go ahead, and check when it didn’t.”

Franklin may not be the largest human being, but as far as determination and work-ethic, his teams will always be in better shape, and very seldom are they not well prepared.

When it took a last second field goal for St. Thomas to beat McArthur, everyone realized that Franklin had arrived as a coach, and one who was going to stay. In a game that showcased receiver Tony Brown of St. Thomas and Bryant McFadden of McArthur, it was Franklin who left with the most respect.

Away from the game the past two years, after bringing Dillard back, Franklin returned this past spring and immediately put his stamp on the program.

Loaded with quality athletes, Franklin began to set the table for the future by getting the younger players on track. He knew that the senior class would help step up and lead, but he also wanted to build a solid program.

“We are very fortunate to have so many quality young men who live in our district,” said Franklin. “Many of them have plenty of athletic ability. What this coaching staff has been able to do, over the years, is to teach and coach.”

Junior running back Trabis Ward is a perfect example of having elite talent to compete against some of the heavyweights among 5A programs in the state. Other youngsters getting plenty of attention already include sophomore lineman Quinton Roland and junior Carlton Falconer.
Leading the way in this senior class are safety Lorenzo White Jr., who has been looked at by several major college programs. Defensive end Darin Davis is also one of the player coaches had singled out in the spring.

The Panthers also boast tight end Bo Reliford, who at 6-foot-7, could be one of the biggest surprises, and Harry Adams, the speedy receiver who is attempting to see if his blazing track times can translate to big time football. He has already impressed in the spring and summer.

“This is a good football team,” Franklin said. “One that can win the district? I have to believe that we will be right there when they regular season comes to an end, and next year, we expect to be better.”
  
On an evening when much of Fort Lauderdale and the high school football world saluted legendary Dillard football coach Otis Gray, who passed on earlier in the week, there was Franklin. While he may not bleed blue and silver, he has become a major part of Dillard’s present – and future!

Catch more football recruiting with Larry Blustein at www.floridafb.com – or e-mail at FloridaKids1@hotmailcom