No Frankfort coach has coached longer or been more successful than Kevin Whiteman.
Whiteman has spent 15 seasons roaming the sidelines for the Falcons.
His alma mater has won 123 games under his direction while appearing in the playoffs 11 times.
Whiteman’s Falcons have pieced together perhaps the greatest season in Frankfort history, posting a 13-0 record. They stand one win away from Class AA supremacy entering the state final on Friday night in ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä against Roane County.
“It’s a great feeling,†Whiteman said. “This is our 49th season as a school and football team. To finally make it back again, we’re really excited.â€
Whiteman led Frankfort to the program’s other state final appearance in 2014, when the Falcons took on Bridgeport.
Frankfort was also undefeated heading into that game, but the top-seeded Indians handled business against the Falcons, winning 37-7 at Wheeling Island Stadium.
Whiteman wants these Falcons to do something no other football team has done in Frankfort history — win a state title.
“It means a lot to me. I love Frankfort football,†Whiteman said. “It’s been a big part of my life by playing and coaching at Frankfort and also being a fan. It’s my 28th year as a coach in the program and 15th as the head coach. With all that, it means the world to me. It’s exciting. I feel like it’s been 10 years. That’s a long time.
“I was really excited the first time, but I think this one probably means even more to me.â€
Frankfort has qualified for the playoffs 24 times, with Whiteman contributing to 46% of the appearances as the coach.
Whiteman understands what a potential state title victory would do for the community of Ridgeley.
“It’s going to be awesome if we could pull it off,†Whiteman said. “Our fan base is awesome. Our community support is awesome. I know all those people are hungry and excited. They would love to see us finally be able to win a state championship. It’d be awesome for our school, community and everyone involved because of the amount of support we get.
“The excitement in our community is boiling over to the top.â€
The only obstacle standing in the way of Whiteman and the Falcons’ first title is the Raiders.
“They remind us so much of us,†Whiteman said. “They’re a good football team. You can tell they’re very disciplined.â€
Roane County coach Paul Burdette made similar comments.
“It’s a lot like looking in the mirror,†Burdette said.
Frankfort has a senior-heavy roster this season, with 10.
Players such as quarterback Uriah Cutter and running back Julian Pattison have been integral parts for the Falcons.
Five of Frankfort’s seniors are on the offensive line — 6-foot-1 Daniel Marley, 6-foot-3 Bryer Michaels, 6-foot-5 Caden Whitacre, 6-foot-6 Lane Lease and 6-foot-2 Brayden Shipway.
“We have a senior-heavy team. That’s been huge,†Whiteman said. “Most of our line has started since they were sophomores. With all that experience, it’s really helped our team, but we have improved. I was really impressed with the way we played Friday night [in a semifinal win against Williamstown]. You can see even see midseason the improvements we’ve made as a team and playing together.
“Defensively, I feel like we’ve stepped to the plate and gotten better. Our pass coverage is better. We’re playing better as a team by minimizing our mistakes.â€
Whiteman anticipates that there won’t be much needed to motivate the Falcons, especially the seniors in the final game of their high school careers.
“They’re excited,†Whiteman said. “They know the opportunity is in front of them. They know our school has never won a championship in football. They’re excited about trying to do their part and work hard the best they can to try and pull it off. It’s going to be a tall task. We’re playing a really good football team.â€
