Articles

2012/02/07 The Williamson County Sports Page

Williamson County Athletes Sign Letters of Intent on National Signing Day

Carson Hewett - Union University

Hannah Miller - Union University

Chesney White - UNC Greensboro

Joann Street - David Lipscomb University

Mackenzie Moore - University of Tennessee

Jessica Hiskey - University of Mississippi

2011/12/30 Memphis Review Appeal

TSWA All-State Girls Soccer

Coach of the Year - Jimmy Burchett

Defender - Joann Street

Midfield - Jessica Hiskey, Morgan Adams

Forward - Chesney White

2011/12/22 All-Midstate Girls Soccer Team

All-Midstate Girls Soccer Team

by Maurice Patton, Sportswriter

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: CHESNEY WHITE

Franklin, Senior, Forward

Why chosen: An All-Midstate first-teamer in 2009 and 2010, White was one of the area’s top offensive performers with 43 goals and six assists as a senior. She had 11 goals in eight postseason games (two in the final) as the Lady Rebels won their first Class AAA title since 2003.

College plans: Committed to North Carolina-Greensboro.

Quote: "We had the best season I could have ever asked for. It’s so difficult to go undefeated and win a state championship. I thought I had a pretty good season, individually. It’s been a pretty successful senior year."

Family: Parents Terry and Christine, sisters Jiliana, 15, and Harper, 10, brother Hudson, 13, dog Emma.

What’s on your iPod? Brad Paisley, Zac Brown Band, Lady Antebellum.

Best high school sports moment: "Winning the state championship, and scoring the final goal to seal the victory (3-0 over Farragut). Every coach and every player knows two goals is the worst lead you can have because one goal puts the losing team right back in the game. You get three goals, the other team starts to hang their head because you’ve got more of a cushion. It just makes you more comfortable."

Favorite athlete: Tim Tebow

Best video game: Madden football

Is this your best sport? "It is. I used to play volleyball in middle school, but soccer is all I play now. I used to do track in middle school, also, and I played basketball in elementary school."

Best Christmas gift you could get: "I’d love an iPhone."

First Team Mid-State

Jessica Hiskey

Why chosen: The Ole Miss commitment was player of the year in District 11-AAA and Region 6-AAA after scoring 17 goals with 17 assists.

Joann Street

Why chosen: The Lipscomb commitment keyed a defense that allowed seven goals and posted 17 shutouts.

Second Team Mid-State

Morgan Adams

Mid-State Coach of the Year

Jimmy Burchett

Why chosen: In his 15th season, Burchett led the Lady Rebels to their first undefeated campaign since 1989, their 11th championship and the fourth of his coaching tenure. Franklin set a school record for victories with 24, along with a No. 1 national ranking. He is 258-62-26.

Quote: "Going into the season, I felt pretty confident that we’d have a good year. But you never think about going undefeated and running the table. A lot of the credit has to go to our seniors. I’ve had a lot of dedicated players, but none of them has matched this group as a whole. Their focus was on that state title. That inner drive is something you can’t create as a coach. It was a special year."

2011/12/16 Tennessee High School Soccer Coaches Association

Girls All-State AAA

Defenders - Joann Street

Midfielder - Jessica Hiskey, Morgan Adams

Forwards - Chesney White, MacKenzie Moore, Lyndie Donegan

2011/12/04 National Soccer Coaches Athletic Association

Girls All-American Team

Jessica Hiskey

Girls All-Region Team

Jessica Hiskey

Chesney White

Girls South Region Coach of the Year

Jimmy Burchett

2011/11/22 National Soccer Coaches Athletic Association

NCSAA Final Ranking Names Franklin the #1 High School Team in the Nation

For only the second time in it's storied history, the 2011 Franklin Rebels (24-0-0), join the 1987 Franklin Rebels (18-0-0), as the #1 High School Soccer Team in the Nation.

Sharing the co-champion title with Carmel Indiana.

2011/11/16 Williamson County Sports Page

ESPN Powerade Fab 50 Ranks the Lady Rebels Number 2 in the Nation

by Amber Michel, Editor

Each week, throughout the fall season, ESPN releases the Powerade Fab 50. The Fab 50 ranks high school soccer teams from across the nation. Yesterday, the week 12 Fab 50 was announced and the 2011 Tennessee State Champions, the Franklin High School Lady Rebels, came in at number two.

The 24-0-0 Lady Rebels, were outranked by only one team, the 22-0-1 Class 2A State Champions out of Carmel, IN.

2011/11/15 ESPN/Powerade National Ranklings

Franklin Named by ESPN as Top Team in Tennessee and #2 In the Nation

2011/11/12 Tennessee High School Coaches Association

2011 State All-Star Teams Named

Three players from Franklin were named to the 2011 THSCA All-Star Game: Joann White, Jessica Hiskey, and Chesney White.

2011/11/10 Williamson County Sports Page

Franklin Lady Rebels Perfect Ending to a Perfect Season

by Amber Michel, Editor

Week after week, the Lady Rebels added wins to their record. In fact, after remaining undefeated for so many weeks, Franklin supporters started to avoid the term "undefeated" for fear of jinxing what was such a tremendous feat. After all, the Lady Rebels’ main goal wasn’t an undefeated regular season, but a State Title. On Saturday, November 5th, the final 2011 goal was achieved and the last win of their perfect season went down in the record books. The Lady Rebels defeated their final opponent of the season, Farragut, and came away with an impressive 3-0 victory to become the 2011 Division 1 Class AAA State Champions.

The first half of the State Final looked as though it was going to end scoreless, mainly due to Farragut’s talented goalkeeper, Katy Hill, and Franklin’s stingy defense who allowed only one shot on goal. After five great saves by Hill, Franklin’s Mackenzie Moore got one by with 2:50 left in the half. The assist was made by Lyndie Donegan, and the half ended FHS 1 - Farragut 0. Franklin’s offense came out strong in the second half breaking through the Farragut defense for nine shots on goal. Chesney White added two more goals to her impressive career at FHS to bring the score to FHS 3 - Farragut 0, and Jessica Hiskey and Lyndie Donegan claimed the assists. The Lady Rebel defense protected the lead allowing only five shots on goal in the game, and keeper, Emily Burchfield, secured the shutout with five saves. "I am so proud of our players and their accomplishments," said head coach, Jimmy Burchett. "It is very gratifying to see players dedicate their time and effort for a single cause and have that goal come to fruition. Beginning in June of last year, our seniors set up a work plan of extra conditioning and weight lifting that every player bought into. I think we could have played 2 games last Saturday back to back and not gotten tired. I am really glad the hard work paid off for them. Some times it does and some times it doesn't. This time it did!" As if another State Title wasn’t enough to add to the books, the 2011 Lady Rebels made their mark in FHS history in several areas. The Lady Rebels finished the season as 24-0, breaking the previous record of most wins in a season, which was 22. Not only did they have the most wins in a season, but they were 24 consecutive wins, which was also never done before. Just as impressive, the Lady Rebels were not simply undefeated, but they also never trailed in any game played this season. They are now number three in goals scored, with 137; number four in shutouts with 16; number six in goals against with 7, and have scored more goals in a State Tournament than any other team in FHS history with 13.

The 2011 Lady Rebels was truly a magical combination between a high-powered offense, and a hard line defense. Senior, Chesney White, led the offense with 43 goals on the season and 107 career goals, becoming Franklin’s second all time scorer as well as second top scorer in a single season. Senior, Jessica Hiskey, finished out her career at FHS with 42 total goals, 17 of which added to the great 2011 season. Junior, Lyndie Donegan, was the third top scorer for the Lady Rebels this season, with 13 goals. Donegan also leads the team in all time assists with 40 after only her junior year. Senior, Mackenzie Moore added 10 goals to the season, and 26 to her career as a Lady Rebel. Junior, Morgan Adams added her own 10 goals to the FHS offensive success in 2011.

The Lady Rebels season would not have been the success it was without the strong play of its defenders, Joann Street, Carson Hewett, Hannah Miller, Sarah McCorpin, and goalkeeper, Emily Burchfield, who together allowed only seven goals to be scored against them in the 24 games. Burchfield, a junior at FHS, had 83 shots on goal against her this season, stopping 78 of them, and securing 13 shoutouts.

The 2011 Lady Rebels will go down in history as one of the greatest soccer teams to ever represent not only Franklin High School, but also Williamson County.

2011/11/05 The Williamson Herald

Lady Rebels Earn Another Soccer Championship

by Marcus Stone, Sportswriter

The homepage of the Franklin girls soccer team’s Web site says it all – a picture of the team in celebration with the words “The will to win, cannot be beat!” written underneath.

The Lady Rebels won Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association state championship No. 11 Saturday with a 3-0 win over Farragut. Franklin won two state titles before the sport was sanctioned by the TSSAA.

Mackenzie Moore scored the contest’s first goal in the closing minutes of the first half before senior Chesney White scored two second-half goals to seal victory for Franklin and close their season with a 24-0 record.

Franklin was dominant through the postseason, allowing just one goal in eight matches. The team allowed just seven the entire season.

The Lady Rebels played with a purpose all season after finishing as state runners up each of the last two years.

Franklin won their quarterfinal game against Bearden 2-0 with goals by White and Morgan Adams. They went on to defeat Soddy-Daisy 7-1 with White, Lyndie Donegan, and Liza Harbin each scoring twice in the semifinals. Josie Deere had the other goal.

2011/11/06 HobNob Franklin

Franklin Girls Perfect In Claiming State Championship

Franklin's girls soccer team finished the season undefeated, untied and unchallenged as the best team in the state.

The Lady Rebels claimed the TSSAA Class AAA State Girls Soccer Tournament championship Saturday afternoon in Chattanooga with an impressive 3-0 shutout of previously undefeated Farragut to cap a perfect 24-0 season.

Mackenzie Moore netted the ball on an assist from Lyndie Donegan at 37:10 in the first half for all the scoring Franklin would need.

Chesney White added two goals in the second half, the first at the 46:44 mark on an assist by Jessica Hiskey and the second at 68:38 unassisted.

The Lady Rebs outshot Farragut 12-6.

Keeper Emily Burchfield had three saves for the Lady Rebels while Farragut goalie had eight saves against the relentless Franklin attack.

2011/11/06 Nashville City Paper

Franklin Wins Again

by Harrold Huggins, Sportswriter

Franklin High capped a perfect 24-0 season with a 3-0 victory over Farragut to win the Class AAA state soccer championship Saturday in Chattanooga.

Chesney White scored two goals, and Emily Burchfield racked up the shutout for the Rebels who won their 11th state TSSAA title.

2011/11/05 The Tennessean

Franklin Wins 11th Girls State Soccer Title

by Maurice Patton, Sportswriter

CHATTANOOGA -- Despite owning more girls soccer state championships than any program in Tennessee, Franklin was tired of finishing second.

After falling in the Class AAA championship game the last two seasons, the Lady Rebels beat Farragut 3-0 Saturday for their 11th state title and first since 2003. “We wanted it so badly last year, and we got killed,” said Chesney White, who scored a pair of goals Saturday. “That was our inspiration to come back and show we could do better. We wanted to prove we can win, that that’s not us.” Franklin’s 6-1 loss to Houston in last year’s final is the team’s last defeat, as the Lady Rebels closed out a 24-0-0 season. “You don’t go undefeated if you’re not on a mission,” Franklin Coach Jimmy Burchett said. “This group of seniors dedicated themselves from Day One. They’ve had that ‘6-1’ banner up when they were working out, at our games. It’s on the bus now.” For a team that has allowed just seven goals and posted 17 shutouts, Franklin took a big lead on Mackenzie Moore’s goal with three minutes left in the first half. “We let down twice in the first half, and one really cost us,” Farragut Coach Dennis Lindsay said. “You can’t make a mistake against them without it costing you.”

White scored seven minutes into the second half, converting a pass from Jessica Hiskey, then added a second score on a breakaway with 11 minutes remaining.

“At 0-0, their energy was up,” Burchett said regarding Farragut (22-1-2). “The first goal didn’t give us a comfortable lead, but to go up 2-0 in a game like this when you haven’t allowed more than one goal in a game …”

Emily Burchfield had three saves for Franklin, which outshot Farragut 12-6.

“We just wanted it more,” White said. “We’d had a perfect season coming in, and we weren’t going to let our one loss be in the state final.”

2011/11/05 Knoxville News Sentinel

Talented Franklin Too Much For Farragut 3-0

by John Shearer, Sportswriter

CHATTANOOGA —The Farragut High School girls' soccer team was able to overcome even its own expectations this season in making a surprise run to the state finals.

Unfortunately for the Lady Admirals, though, they could not quite overcome a dominating Franklin team, losing 3-0 in the Class AAA championship game Saturday afternoon at Girls Preparatory School. "We got beat by a heck of a good team," coach Dennis Lindsay told his somber team afterward. "This may be the best Franklin team I've ever seen." With several speedy senior forwards, the Lady Rebels (24-0) — who outshot Farragut 12-6 — were able to score one goal in the first half and two in the second. The first two were on short shots by Mackenzie Moore in the 38th minute and Chesney White in the seventh minute of the second half. The final goal came with just over 11 minutes left, when White was able to get to a misplayed ball at midfield and race down the field for the final score and basically secure the team's 11th state championship. Despite the three breakdowns, the Farragut defense, particularly junior goalkeeper Katy Hill, still played well. In fact, Hill likely felt as sore as the Farragut forwards and midfielders after the game from successfully diving and running after so many balls. "I had confidence in myself," she said. "I knew it was going to be tough." Lindsay thought the defensive play was the highlight for Farragut.

Due to the defensive play and the successful season, the Lady Admirals (22-1-2) were still holding their heads, if not the first-place trophy, high as they walked off the field. "We were fourth in the district last year," said Lindsay, who last took a Farragut girls' team to the state finals in 2004. "That was a big leap. I'm more proud of this team than any I have ever had because they went well beyond what was expected." Next year the expectations might be much different and loftier, as the Lady Admirals lose only four seniors: Amy Albaugh, Skylar Brewer, Rachael Clark and Kiley McCarley. "I think we'll definitely have a chance," Hill said. "The junior class is still going to be strong. We'll have another chance to get it back."

2011/11/04 Hobnob Franklin

Franklin girls sweep into state soccer finals with 7-1 rout

Franklin hammered Soddy Daisy, 7-1, to sweep into the finals of the TSSAA Class AAA Girls State Soccer Tournament last night in Chattanooga.

Franklin's impressive win, the only blowout of the tournament, sets up a battle of unbeatens as it faces Farragut that made the finals by knocking off two-time defending champion Houston, 3-2, in a shootout.

The Rebel girls are a perfect 23-0 for the year; Farragut 23-0-3.

The finals will be Saturday at 12:30 at GPS.

Franklin quickly got out on Soddy-Daisy as Chesney White netted her first of two goals after 4:50 of play on an assist from Lyndie Donegan. Donegan pushed the lead to 2-0 with her first of two goals unassisted at 30:51, effectively sealing the win.

Donegan's second unassisted goal at 38:05 set the halftime score at 3-0 for Franklin.

Franklin added scores in the second half by Liza Harbin on assist by Morgan Adams, White (assist Mackenzie Moore), Liza Harbin (Josie Deere) and Deere (Ally Coady).

2011/11/04 The Tennesean

Franklin, CPA Reach Girls State Soccer Finals

by Greg Sullivan, Sportswriter

Class AAA Franklin 7, Soddy Daisy 1:

Franklin (23-0) advanced to its 16th state TSSAA title game and third in a row with a rout of Soddy Daisy (21-3-2).

The Lady Rebels will play Farragut (23-0-3), a 3-2 winner over Houston, in Saturday’s championship at 12:30 p.m. at Girls Prep.

Franklin will be going for its 11th state TSSAA title and first since 2003.

"I thought we kind of hit a lull eight or 10 games ago," Franklin Coach Jimmy Burchett said. "I said, ‘I hope we’re not peaking too quickly.’ They said, ‘We’re not peaking yet.’ I think they’re right."

Chesney White, Lyndie Donegan and Liza Harbin scored twice for the Lady Rebels.

"We have one more game left in our season and for me and the rest our seniors, it’s our last game," White said. "This is the perfect time for us to play to the best of our ability."

2011/11/04 Chattanooga Times Free Press

Franklin Boots Out Trojans

by Gene Henley, Sportswriter

"Don't be sad that it's over. Be happy that it happened."

Those were the words spoken by Soddy-Daisy junior Summer Lanter to her teammates before they closed their final huddle of the season after the Lady Trojans' 7-1 loss to top-ranked Franklin in the semifinals of the Class AAA state soccer tournament Thursday at Baylor.

Soddy-Daisy wound up 19-3-2, while the Lady Rebels improved to 23-0 and will face Farragut (23-0-3) in the championship match Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at GPS.

The Farragut Lady Admirals advanced with a 5-4 advantage in penalty kicks against two-time defending champion Germantown Houston in the other semifinal. They were tied 2-2 through regulation.

Lanter scored Soddy-Daisy's goal in the 77th minute off a pass from Hannah Wyatt. That was Lanter's 32nd goal of the season and Wyatt's 25th assist.

The Lady Trojans earned their first-ever state tournament win Wednesday when they defeated Collierville 2-0.

The Franklin team that Soddy-Daisy coach Moises Drumond scouted Wednesday was not the one his team faced Thursday evening. The Lady Rebels' passes were crisper, the shots better and the attack more fluid. They took a 1-0 advantage five minutes in on the first of two Chesney White goals and never looked back.

"They're really fast," Drumond said. "They got the momentum five minutes in with that goal and just kept it. Before the first goal, we were more relaxed than we were yesterday, but once they got the momentum, they never let it go.

"We were on such a high last night, and it was hard to get there today, but the girls never gave up and I'm proud of the way they battled."

Said White, who has committed to UNC Greensboro: "We knew that we started off slow yesterday, and that wasn't the best we could play. We wanted to prove to people that we were a better team than we showed."

Lyndie Donegan, who assisted on White's first goal, added two goals of her own before halftime as the Lady Rebels dominated play throughout the match. Liza Harbin added two second-half goals and Josie Deere scored in the final minute.

"We finished a lot better today; we didn't have a slow start today," Franklin coach Jimmy Burchett said. "The girls are focused on the goal of getting a state championship, and they're just continuing to play.

"I thought the girls had hit a lull during the season, but they told me that they just hadn't peaked yet. It's a good thing when you still haven't played your best match."

2011/11/04 The Chattanoogan

Franklin Ends Soddy Daisy's Season

by B. B. Branton, Sportswriter

The 7th-ranked Franklin Rebels showed why they are among the nation's best as they defeated Soddy Daisy, 7-1, Thursday in a D-I AAA state semifinal girls' soccer match at Baylor School.

"We were right there withh them for the first five minutes of the match, but when they scored that first goal they took the momentum and never let it go," said Soddy Daidy coach Moises Drumond.

"They have excellent team speed that we did not see from any other team all season."

The undefeated Rebels (23-0-0) had three players - Chesney White, Lyndie Donegan and Liza Harbin - score two goals each to lead the offensive attack.

"Our seven seniors have been really focused of late and have helped take our team to an extraordinary level of play," said Franklin coach Jimmy Burchett.

The Rebels (23-0-0) will face Farragut (23-0-2) in the championship finals Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at GPS. Farragut tied two-time defending champion Houston, 2-2, advancing on penalty kicks in the other semifinal match.

White opened the scoring in the fifth minute, followed by a pair of goals from Donegan in the 30th and 38th minutes for a 3-0 halftime advantage.

The Rebels made it 6-0 before the Trojans could get on the board on a Summer Lanter goal from Hannah Wyatt in the 76th minute.

Josie Deere's goal in the 78th minute closed out the scoring.

2011/11/03 The Knoxville News Sentinel

Bearden Unable to Solve Perfect Franklin

by Clay Seals, Sportswriter

CHATTANOOGA -- Nobody had figured out how to beat the Franklin High School girls' soccer team (22-0-0) this season. Bearden (18-5-1) couldn't figure out a way either.

The Lady Bulldogs lost to the Lady Rebels 2-0 in the Class AAA state quarterfinals Wednesday at Baylor School, falling in their efforts for the program's first state title since 2007.

"I loved what I saw," Bearden coach Eric Turner said. "We came out, we battled. We had a great plan, we executed it well. The thing is, at this level, you make one or two mistakes and you pay for it. That's just the way it is. Franklin made us pay for the couple mistakes we made."

Franklin used second-half goals from Chesney White and Morgan Adams to advance to the semifinal Thursday against Soddy-Daisy.

The Lady Rebels outshot Bearden 27-4. Even though most of Franklin's shots came from outside the penalty box, they still took hard shots, putting 18 on frame.

Franklin was pressing early, but dealt with a few offside calls. A goal in the second minute was called back.

"They were holding their line and making us be offsides," said Lady Rebels coach Jimmy Burchett, "and their goalkeeper came up quick on a couple plays."

White gave Franklin a 1-0 lead in the 49th minute when she redirected a pass across the goal box.

"They weren't shaken at all," Turner said. "We've been down before."

Despite the Lady Bulldogs continuing their fast, high-pressure play, Franklin held them to just one shot on goal in the second half.

"Their midfield was awesome," Turner said.

"We knew their midfield was good, but after every punt, every goal kick, they won everything."

With eight minutes left to play, Adams' goal clinched the Lady Rebels a semifinal spot, where they'll try to reach their third consecutive state final.

It wasn't the result Bearden was looking for, but Turner said it didn't deflate a good season.

"I told them I was very proud of them," Turner said. "They came out and had an awesome year. Being a competitor doesn't mean you always win. But a week from now when they reflect on their career, reflect on this season, they'll know they gave everything they had, and that's all you can ask for."

2011/11/02 HobNobFranklin.Com

Franklin Girls Advance To State Soccer Semis

Franklin surged in the second half to knock out Bearden, 2-0, in the opening round of the TSSAA Class AAA Girsl State Soccer Tournament Wednesday evening in Chattanooga.

Chesney White's unassisted goal at 48:12 broke a scoreless tie and locked up Franklin's win and sent the Rebel girls into Thursday's semi-finals at 6 p.m. against Soddy Daisy, a 2-0 winner over Collierville. The winner of that match advances to Saturday's 12:30 finals.

Morgan Adams gave Franklin an insurance goal at 71:32 to account for the match's scoring.

Despite the late score, Franklin had kept pressure on Bearden, outshooting the Knox County team 19-5. Emily Buchfield had three saves for Franklin.

2011/11/02 The Tennessean

Unbeaten Franklin Moves to the State Soccer Semis

by Maurice Patton, Sportswriter

Franklin overcame some missed first-half chances in a 2-0 win over Bearden in the Class AAA girls soccer quarterfinals on Wednesday at Baylor.

The Lady Rebels got second-half goals from Chesney White and Morgan Adams.

"We knew we’d have a lot of opportunities," said White, who scored the first goal about 10 minutes into the second half. "We knew that if we kept getting opportunities one would go in."

The Lady Rebels will play Soddy-Daisy (21-2-2), a 2-0 winner over Collierville, at 6 tonight at Baylor.

Franklin (22-0-0) outshot Baylor 9-1 in the first half. White also missed a close-range shot two minutes into the second half. She scored in a similar situation.

"The exact same thing happened but that time I didn’t kick it to the keeper," she said.

2011/11/01 The Tennessean

Girls State Soccer Primer

by Maurice Patton, Sportswriter

Players to Watch

Chesney White, Franklin, Sr. North Carolina-Greensboro commitment has scored a team-high 38 goals along with six assists.

2011/10/31 The Paris Post-Intelligencer

Lady Patriots come up short at Franklin

by Tommy Priddy, Sportswriter

Blanking Franklin for the first 20 minutes and the entire second half kept the Henry County High School girls’ soccer team close in the sectional match played Saturday at Franklin.

The Lady Patriots couldn’t stay close enough, however, as the Lady Rebels were able to hammer in three goals in the final 20 minutes of the first half to pull out a 3-0 victory and advance to their third straight Class AAA state tournament. Franklin was the runner-up to Houston the last two season. Henry County head coach Thomas Klingenberg said the state tournament experience was the difference in the match.

"You could just see it in the way Franklin played," Klingenberg said. "They have eight seniors who have decided that they are not going to be happy unless they win the state championship. You didn’t see them cutting up or anything. They were all business and are not going to be denied. Still, in the second half, we finally relaxed and started to play. We created as many chances as they did. I was very proud of how we played in the second half."

Henry County completes its season with a 14-7-1 record. Franklin is now 21-0. The Lady Rebels will be joined in the state tournament field by Bearden, Farragut, Soddy-Daisy, Siegel, Ravenwood and Collierville.

"This is our second straight trip to the sectionals. We only lose four seniors and our freshmen now know what it takes to get to this level. Hopefully, we can get back here next year and go on into the state," Klingenberg said.

Franklin had beaten the Lady Patriots 9-1 Sept. 3 at Franklin. Using the information from that match, the Lady Patriots elected to take a counter-punch approach and play maximum defense against the Lady Rebels.

By packing the entire lineup close to guard the Henry County goal, the Lady Patriots shut out the Lady Rebels through the first part of the first half. Franklin finally broke through to score in the 20th minute when a high pass was deflected off a Lady Rebels’ shoulder into the goal narrowly between the outstretched arms of Henry County goalkeeper Michelle Culley and the left goal post.

Eight minutes later, Franklin made it 2-0 when Culley was involved in a collision on the right side of the penalty box and could not get off the ground in time to keep the Lady Rebels from scoring.

The Lady Rebels third goal came on a long, rolling shot that seemed to have eyes as it eluded the Lady Patriots’ defense.

Culley was under fire most of the match but proved adept at catching, deflecting and smothering Franklin’s scoring attempts. Lady Patriots Bridget Stahl, Ashley Belew and Julia Reimold were active in stopping shots.

Henry County was unable to turn the ball to get in position to shoot at the Franklin goal during the first half.

Franklin opened the second half with a renewed assault on the Henry County goal but Culley withstood the challenge. She stepped between two Franklin forwards to intercept one pass, dived to deflect a free kick at the edge of the goal and smothered several other shots.

Her energy seemed to spread to the rest of the Lady Patriots as midway through the second half, Henry County mounted a strong attack on the Franklin goal. The Lady Patriots fired a round of shots that led to three deflection over the center bar and corner kicks that produced more scoring opportunities. The Lady Patriots couldn’t take advantage of opportunities in the shutout loss.

"The thing that made me proud was that the girls’ never quit. They could have gotten down and quit after the third goal but they kept playing hard until the very end. In the second half, we created just as many chances as they did. I was very proud of the way we battled in the second half," Klingenberg said.

He said Culley played an outstanding game in the goal and would bring that experience back next season. The Lady Patriots will lose seniors Belew, Reimold, Mary Kate Bell and Devin Lambert to graduation.

2011/10/30 The Chattanoogan

State Soccer Brackets Are Set

by B. B. Branton, Sportswriter

25th Anniversary: The girls’ soccer state championship celebrates its 25th anniversary (1986-2011) this week … Franklin won the inaugural championship in 1986 and seven of the first eight … Notre Dame defeated Franklin in the 1988 final … three divisions (D-II, D-I A-AA, D-I AAA) were formed in 1997 and a decade later (2007) D-II schools were split into D-II A and D-II AA.

Most Titles: (top 8) Franklin (10), Baylor (7), Houston (5), Ridgeway (4), Franklin Road Academy (4), Germantown (3), Christian Academy of Knoxville (3) … 22 schools have won at least one championship … 15 of those are playing this week …

Baylor, Franklin and Houston have won titles in three different decades.

2011/10/30 The Tennessean

Franklin Girls Soccer Advances to State Tournament

by Maurice Patton, Sportswriter

FRANKLIN -- Franklin improved to 21-0 and got its fifth shutout of the postseason with a 3-0 win Saturday over Henry County in a Class AAA girls soccer sectional.

The Lady Rebels will make their sixth consecutive state tournament appearance this week.

Henry County (13-8-1) didn’t attempt a shot for the opening 35 minutes, keeping its offensive players on the defensive end after losing 9-1 to Franklin over Labor Day weekend.

"As long as it was 1-0, we were going to hold it back,` Henry County Coach Thomas Klingenberg said. "Once it got to 2-0, we had to go play them straight-up."

Franklin took a 1-0 lead when Chesney White headed in a pass from Jessica Hiskey. Lyndie Donegan and Hannah Miller also scored.

"We couldn’t get the up-close shots we wanted, so we had to shoot from further out," Donegan said. "We had to make sure they were hard and powerful."

"We had a little practice with it against Ravenwood (Wednesday’s Region 6-AAA championship)," Franklin Coach Jimmy Burchett said. "So we knew what to do.

"But it’s still a matter of seeing it and being able to handle it and function. I was pleased with our patience in the first half. We executed the game plan we talked about. If you keep shooting, eventually something’s going in."

Burchett and Donegan were both mildly disappointed that Franklin was unable to dent the Henry County defense in the second half despite getting off another 13 shots.

"I think we played hard, but we didn’t finish all the chances we could have," Donegan said. "But I thought we played really well."

"Their goalie (Michelle Culley) played well," Burchett added.

2011/10/28 Williamson County Sports Page

Lady Rebels Win Region 6-AAA Championship

by Amber Michel, Editor

Senior Carson Hewett wins the ball as Sophomore Rachael Frye watches.

The Lady Rebels and the Lady Raptors faced off again on Wednesday at the Region 6 AAA final. Franklin came away with another win against Ravenwood to become th 2011 Region 6 AAA champions. The Lady Rebels secured the 4-0 win with a total team effort.

All four goals were spread out among the Lady Rebels offense. Halfway through the first half, Chesney White put Franklin on the board with a goal assisted by Mackenzie Moore. Franklin had six more shots on goal in the first half of play, but Ravenwood's goalkeeper, Rose Hull, showed strong in the goal, holding the Lady Rebels to only 1 goal in the half. Franklin's defense also played a solid half, closing out Ravenwood, and allowing only one shot on goal that was saved by Franklin goalkeeper, Emily Burchfield. The half ended, FHS 1 - RHS 0.

The Lady Rebels offense kicked it in gear in the second half, scoring three more goals against the Lady Raptors. Mackenzie Moore scored the first goal of the second half at the 30:20 mark, and was followed by two more goals scored by Jessica Hiskey and Lyndie Donegan. Liza Harbin and Josie Deere had the assists. Ravenwood managed to get more shots on goal in the second half, but goalkeeper, Emily Burchfield, protected the shutout with five saves for a 4-0 victory.

Both teams now prepare for their Sectional matches that will be played tomorrow. Franklin will face Henry County, the Region 5 runner up, and Ravenwood will face the Region 5 champion, Hendersonville. The winners will then move on to the State Tournament which begins on November 2.

2011/10/26 The Tennessean

Franklin Remains Undefeated with Region Title Championship

by Maurice Patton, Sportswriter

FRANKLIN -- Despite outscoring Ravenwood by eight goals in a pair of wins earlier this year, Chesney White and her Franklin girls soccer team weren’t taking anything for granted Wednesday night.

"I can’t remember the last time we’ve beaten a team three times in one season," White said after scoring the first goal in the Lady Rebels’ 4-0 Region 6-AAA championship victory.

"We were expecting a battle. We weren’t expecting an easy game at all."

Franklin (20-0-0) secured a home game in Saturday’s sectional round against the loser of tonight’s Region 5-AAA final between Henry County and Hendersonville.

Ravenwood (12-5-1) will visit the winner of that game.

The Lady Rebels defeated Ravenwood 4-1 during the regular season and 5-0 in the District 11-AAA tournament final.

"We’ve got seven seniors and they want to play as many home games as possible," Coach Jimmy Burchett said after his team recorded its 14th shutout of the season. "We like our field. We’re very comfortable here."

White, a North Carolina-Greensboro commitment, converted on a pass from Mackenzie Moore and gave her team a 1-0 lead midway through the first half. It was the lone goal of the opening 40 minutes.

"We had a game plan in the first half to allow them to play on our half of the field," Ravenwood Coach Ken White said. "Their first goal came on their first shot. Once that went in, we had to change things a little bit."

Ravenwood goalkeeper Rose Hull, who has committed to Furman, had a handful of stellar saves but gave up a goal 10 minutes into the second half when she lost the handle on a shot by Moore that rolled into the net.

"Momentum, once you score, changes the game," Hull said. "We weren’t able to hold them off the way we wanted to. When they got up 2-0, they got a little more confident."

Ravenwood, which managed nine shots on goal to Franklin’s 24, allowed two more goals as Jessica Hiskey and Lyndie Donegan scored.

"We put constant pressure on them," Burchett said. "We’ve got five or six aggressive players we can put right in their faces, and if they make a mistake, we’re going to get a score. (Hull) made two or three incredible stops, but I think our pressure gave us some opportunities."

The sectional winners will advance to next week’s state tournament.

2011/10/26 Brentwood Home Page

Lady Rapters Lose Region Final (to Franklin), await Sectional Foe

by Kelly Gilfillin, Sportswriter

District soccer tournament runner-up Ravenwood fell to undefeated Franklin again on Wednesday night, this time 4-0 in the Region 6-AAA championship.

The Lady Raptors, which still play in the sectional round on Saturday, trailed only 1-0 at halftime on a goal scored against the run of play.

RHS, which also lost to the Lady Rebels in the regular season and District 11-AAA final, will play on the road at either Hendersonville or Henry County on Saturday. The Raptors are looking to return to the TSSAA state tournament next week in Chattanooga, where they reached the semifinals for the first time last season.

The Region 5-AAA final and most other region championships are scheduled for Thursday, but Ravenwood and Franklin moved up the game to Wednesday in part due to the weather forecast.

2011/10/20 Williamson County Sports Page

Lady Rebels Win District 11-AAA Championship Title

by Amber Michel, Editor

Last night the Franklin Lady Rebels and the Ravenwood Lady Raptors met in the District 11 AAA Final at Brentwood High School. Both teams are familiar opponents, and each stands in the other’s way of the ultimate goal, the State Title. The 5 - 0 win for the Lady Rebels made them the District Champions, but the Lady Raptors aren’t counted out yet, as they too will advance to next week’s Regionals.

The Lady Rebels came out of the gates strong, getting on the board in the 34 minute mark of the first half, when senior, Chesney White, finished a goal off of a shot taken by Morgan Adams that was deflected by Ravenwood goalkeeper, Lindsey Todd.

Ravenwood’s starting goalie, Rose Hull, was absent from last night’s District Final due to a red card she received in Monday night’s semi final. Hull came out of the box to stop an offensive attack, when she was knocked down by another Lady Raptor. The Lady Raptor defense was unable to clear the ball before a Brentwood player got to it, and they took a shot as goalkeeper, Hull, attempted to get back into the goal. The shot was going over her head and she instinctively jumped up and knocked it away. Unfortunately, she was still out of the box, and received a red card for an intentional hand ball to save a goal.

Ravenwood was also missing key offensive player, Christie Padgett, due to an injury. Franklin’s Lady Rebels were in full force; however, and continued their dominating play when Chesney White followed up with another goal less than ten minutes later off of an assist by Mackenzie Moore. The Franklin defense showed strong for another shutout half that Emily Burchfield protected in the goal with three saves. The first half ended, FHS 2 - RHS 0.

Coming into the second half, Chesney White continued her scoring streak with another goal at the 29 minute mark, assisted again by Mackenzie Moore. Last night, White added another stat to her remarkable career at Franklin High School, reaching her 100th career goal mark, and the Lady Rebels went ahead 3-0.

The Franklin defense continued to hold off Ravenwood, allowing only one shot on goal in the second half, and the Lady Rebels offense added two more goals on the night. Sophomore, Rachael Frey, had Franklins fourth goal of the night, with the assist by Morgan Adams at the 24:51 mark. With less than nine minutes left to play, Ally Coady assisted to Mackenzie Moore, who scored the final goal of the night, bringing the score to FHS 5 - RHS 0.

"I was very happy in the way we played last night," said Franklin’s head coach, Jimmy Burchett. "We held our focus extremely well considering the weather conditions and the importance of the game, and every player performed their individual responsibilities to perfection."

Burchett went on to not only recognize his offense, but also his impressive defense as well.

"I know that much has been said about our offensive output, but our defense, consisting of Joann Street, Carson Hewett, Hannah Miller, Sarah McCorpin, and goalkeeper Emily Burchfield has also been extremely focused and error free. They have given up only 6 goals in 18 games, and no more than one goal in any game."

The Lady Rebels and Raptors will both continue their quest for an appearance in the State Final with their next challenge being Regionals this coming week.

2011/10/19 Brentwood Home Page

RHS falls to Franklin in Soccer Final, on Road for Region

by Kelly Gilfillin, Sportswriter

Ravenwood fell prey to undefeated Franklin again in the District 11-AAA championship game, 5-0, on Wednesday night at Brentwood High's field.

The finals loss means the Lady Raptors' region semifinal on Tuesday will be played on the road at the District 12-AAA champion from Nashville.

RHS sophomore Lindsay Todd, who played in goal after starter Rose Hull got a red card on Monday, made 13 saves against the daunting Lady Rebel offense.

But Chesney White scored a hat trick for Franklin, and Mackenzie Moore and Rachael Frey also added goals for FHS. The Lady Rebels, which led 2-0 at the half, had two assists each from Morgan Adams and Moore and one by Ally Coady.

Franklin keeper Emily Burchfield stopped four shots on goal by the Lady Raptors, who also lost to FHS in the regular season.

On Monday in the district semifinal, Todd was the winning goalie in a penalty kick shootout with Brentwood High after four overtime periods. Hull, who'll be able to return for the Region 6-AAA tournament, was given a red card for saving a shot outside the box.

If the Lady Raptors win in Tuesday's match, they not only would qualify for the region championship game next Thursday -- likely against Franklin again -- but also would advance into the sectional game on Saturday, Oct. 29.

2011/10/18 Williamson County Sports Page

Lady Rebels Secure Sport in District Final

by Amber Michel, Editor

In the first game of the District 11 - AAA semi finals, the number 4 Centennial Lady Cougars, and the number 1 Franklin Lady Rebels, met for what was to be a clash between a stingy defense and a high powered offense. Centennial entered the game giving up only 4 goals in the regular season, while Franklin scored 100 goals in regular season play. Monday night’s semi final match up resulted in a 3-0 win for the Lady Rebels.

Franklin’s first score of the night came early on when Jessica Hiskey, the District Co-Player of the Year, made the assist to Chesney White, the District MVP on Offense, who made a nice shot from the left side.

Centennial’s defense led by Jessica Adams, the District MVP on defense, and All District goalkeeper, Kelsey Brouwer, held the score to Franklin 1 - Centennial 0 going into the half. The final minutes of the first half showcased the talent of both keepers with brilliant saves. Brouwer stopped an offensive attack by making a quick save with her foot, and Franklin’s Emily Burchfield made a great save to thwart the Lady Cougar’s chance to get on the board with seconds left in the half.

Halfway through the second half, Franklin got its second goal when Lyndie Donegan placed the ball right over the finger tips of Centennial’s keeper, Brouwer.

With less than two minutes left in the semi final match up, the Lady Cougars fought to clear the ball from their backfield when Franklin’s Danya Horchi got a foot on it, and finished it for a 3-0 victory for the Lady Rebels.

Next, the Lady Rebels, coached by Jimmy Burchett, the District Coach of the Year, will face the Ravenwood Lady Raptors who won last night’s semi final against Brentwood which went to an exciting penalty kick shootout. The district final between Franklin and Ravenwood will be played this Wednesday at Brentwood High School at 7:00 p.m.

2011/10/13 Williamson County Sports Page

Lady Rebels Join Three Other FHS Girls Soccer Teams in School History

by Amber Michel, Editor

The Franklin High School Lady Rebels soccer team closed out its regular season this week against fellow district team, the Independence Eagles. Franklin added the 11-0 win to its 2011 regular season perfect record of 16-0. The last Franklin High School girls soccer team to record an undefeated regular season was twenty-two years ago. The 2011 Lady Rebels, led by head coach Jimmy Burchett, now join the 1986, 1987, and 1989 teams as the only four teams in FHS history to play an undefeated regular season.

Franklin's #16 Morgan Adams

The stats recorded by the Lady Rebels are staggering, and clearly spell out the danger this team poses for their opponents. The Lady Rebels’ high powered offense, led by senior forward, Chesney White, scored a total of one hundred goals against their opponents this season, while giving up only six goals. White, a University of North Carolina at Greensboro commit, led the Lady Rebels with 32 goals becoming the second all time scorer in FHS history. Jessica Hiskey, an Ole Miss commit, followed as Franklin’s 2011 second top scorer with 15 goals and led the team in assists with 14. Junior, Morgan Adams, added 9 goals and 10 assists for the dangerous Franklin offense. Mackenzie Moore, a University of Tennessee commit, with 8 goals and 10 assists, Lyndie Donegan with 7 goals and 13 assists, and Josie Deere with 7 goals and 6 assists also added to Franklin’s offensive attack. A story was also written this season by junior goalkeeper, Emily Burchfield, who saw 47 shots on goal, saving 43, and secured 7 shutouts. Also in goal was Morgan Langham who saved 16 of the 18 shots on goal that she faced with 2 shutouts. The Lady Rebels defense shared the season’s impressive play with their talented offense, by allowing only 6 goals in a 16 game schedule including some tough district opponents. Senior defenders Hannah Miller and Carson Hewett have both committed to Union, and Joann Street is considering either Lipscomb or Queens. The Lady Rebels will now move on to the District Tournament which begins this Saturday, October 15th. Franklin, the number one seed in the district, has a bye this weekend and will play its first game on Monday against the winner of Saturday’s game between Centennial High School and Independence High School. Monday’s game will be held at Brentwood High School at 5:00 p.m.

2011/10/12 Williamson Herald

District 11-AAA Girls Soccer Tournament Gearing Up

by Marcus Stone, Sports Writer

The 2011 District 11-AAA girls soccer tournament has come to form following the close of the regular season this week with a first-round game having already been decided.

Ravenwood advances to face Brentwood in the semifinals after Hillsboro forfeited this Saturday’s opening-round contest.

The third seeded Lady Raptors will take on the No. 2 ranked Lady Bruins Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m. while top seed Franklin waits for the winner between Centennial and Independence on Saturday.

The tournament is held at Brentwood High School with the championship game being Oct. 19.

Franklin enters the tournament as the favorite with an 18-0 record this year. The Lady Rebels have one of the more historic soccer programs around and have reached at least the TSSAA stat quarterfinal level 10 times since 1999.

2011/10/07 Williamson County Sports Page

Lady Rebels and Cougars Battle it Out

by Amber Michel, Editor

Chesney White took the direct kick for Franklin, scoring the lone goal of the close battle.

Last night, the Centennial Lady Cougars hosted the Franklin Lady Rebels in a match between Franklin’s high scoring offense and Centennial’s stingy defense, that resulted in a close score of FHS 1, CHS 0.

The Lady Rebels entered the game with its scoring record of 88 goals thus far in the 2011 season. Centennial went into the game with its own impressive stat as the number one defense in the state for fewest points allowed, giving up only 3 goals going into its game against Franklin. The Lady Cougars continued their strong defensive play against the number one team in the district and held the Lady Rebels to only one goal on the night.

Franklin’s single goal was scored by senior forward, Chesney White, from a direct kick outside of the Lady Cougar’s box in the first half of play. White and Centennial’s senior goalkeeper, Kelsey Brouwer who are club teammates, went face to face, and White placed the kick just outside of Brouwer’s reach for the 1 - 0 lead.

After a first half of both teams having only one shot on goal each, the second half opened up with more shots on goal for both the Lady Cougars and the Lady Rebels. Although more shots on goal were recorded, neither goalkeeper allowed one to get by. In the second half, Franklin’s goalkeeper, Emily Burchfield made three saves, and Centennial’s Kelsey Brouwer, made four saves of her own.

"I hope no one thinks we were overlooking Centennial," said Franklin’s head coach, Jimmy Burchett. "We took this game very seriously. We knew they had a good defense and a great goalkeeper. They have been tough defensively all year. Special teams find ways to win games like this, which I think our team did last night."

The Lady Rebels came away from last night’s district game adding another win to their remarkable record of now 18 wins and 0 losses. The Centennial Cougars also came away with a very notable defensive show, being the only team to hold the Lady Rebels to only one goal.

Franklin will play another district game on October 11th against the Independence Lady Eagles. Centennial will host Hillsboro High School on October 11th as well for their Senior Night.

2011/10/06 Williamson Herald

Lady Rebels Keep Undefeated Season Alive

by Marcus Stone, Sports Writer

The Franklin Lady Rebels kept their undefeated season alive for yet another week with three out-of-district wins.

They defeated Hendersonville 7-1 last Thursday. Chesney White had three goals for Franklin with Josie Deere, Jessica Hiskey, and Morgan Adams each adding one.

Lyndie Donegan was the hero of Franklin’s 3-0 win over St. Benedict Oct. 1. Donegan had two goals while White had a goal and an assist.

The Lady Rebels followed that game the next day with a 3-1 win over Germantown. Franklin had 29 shots on goal with MacKenzie Moore, Rachael Frye, and Hiskey scoring goals.

Franklin closes their regular-season schedule with district games against Centennial (Oct. 6) and Independence (Oct. 11) before the district tournament begins Oct. 15.

2011/09/28 Williamson County Sports Page

Burchett-Shrader Field Recently Dedicated

by Amber Michel, Editor

County Mayor Rogers Anderson recently announced the dedication of the soccer field at Cheek Park, to be named the Burchett-Shrader Field. He commended both men for providing positive leadership and being good role models for our county youth over the years, in addition to their coaching successes. Mr. Burchett and Mr. Shrader were both happily surprised, and expressed their gratitude to the Mayor and the County Commission for honoring them in this way.

Coach Jimmy Burchett b

2011/09/23 Williamson County Sports Page

Chesney White Becomes the Lady Rebels' Second All-Time Scorer in FHS History

by Amber Michel, Editor

Thursday night, September 22nd, the undefeated Lady Rebels headed to Battle Ground Academy to face another strong team with an impressive record of their own, having only one loss on the season. Franklin came out with a 3-1 win over the Lady Wildcats, adding to their perfect record of nine wins and zero losses.

According to Coach Jimmy Burchett of the Lady Rebels, “It was a great, well played game by both teams, and we feel fortunate to have the 3-1 victory.” He also pointed to the fact that Chesney White became a part of Franklin High School history.

Chesney White definitely had a well played game, contributing all three of Franklin’s goals, and adding her name to the Franklin High School record books as the number two career scoring leader. White’s first goal was off of a through-ball from Lyndie Donegan at the 25:37 mark in the first half. She then followed, with 23 seconds left in the first half, with a free kick just outside the box that she finished to put the Lady Rebels up 2-0 going into the half.

White headed back onto the field in the second half picking up right where she left off in the first half, when Mackenzie Moore had the ball right in front of the net and played it back to her to sink another goal at the 39:39 mark in the second half. White put the Lady Rebels up 3-0.

Six minutes later Kinsey Sessions finished a Penalty Kick for the Lady Wildcats to put them on the board. Franklin’s keeper, Emily Burchfield, made 6 saves in goal to secure a final score of Franklin 3, BGA 1.

Franklin will try to keep their winning streak alive as they host Father Ryan High School this Saturday, September 24th at 2:00. BGA will head to Brentwood Academy this Tuesday, September 27th at 5:00.

2011/09/16 Williamson County Sports Page

Lady Rebels and Raptors Meet on the Pitch

by Amber Michel, Editor

Last night at Franklin High School, Williamson County Varsity Girls Soccer rivals met for an important district match. Franklin headed into the game at 6-0 and Ravenwood at 4-0. Both were hungry to add a crucial district “W” to their records.

The game was physical from the start, and the first half ended scoreless after Ravenwood keeper, Rose Hull, made some great saves to thwart the Lady Rebels’ attempt to get on the board. For the first time this season, Franklin went into the half scoreless.

In the second half, Franklin got into its rhythm and worked the ball beautifully. With 32 minutes left in the second half, Franklin‘s #15, Jessica Hiskey scored to get the Lady Rebels on the board.

Ten minutes later, with an assist from Franklin’s #16, Morgan Adams, Hiskey scored again with a nice strike from the right, bringing the score to FHS 2 - RHS 0.

The momentum began to build for Franklin, and they continued to control the possession game. Morgan Adams’ strong, physical play led to another assist to #3, Josie Deere, who finished Franklin’s third goal of the night to bring the score to FHS 3 - RHS 0 with 11 minutes left to play.

The Lady Raptors were still determined to get on the board, and put together their own offensive attack when #14, Christy Padgett went head on with the keeper who came out to defend. Padgett finished the goal to make the score FHS 3 - RHS 1 with 10 minutes remaining.

As time was running down, Franklin’s # 5, Chesney White, who had threatened all night, finished off an assist by Morgan Adams, who made a big impact on the possession game, for the final score of Franklin 4, Ravenwood 1.

2011/09/15 Williamson Herald

WILLIAMSON COUNTY: Commission begins new budget year with honors, accolades and some good news

by Carole Robinson, Staff Writer

The first meeting since the day-long July budget meeting in which the Board of Commissioners approved a 22-cent property tax increase was primarily dedicated to housekeeping. Commissioners approved committee appointments approved 34 resolutions that reallocated unspent grant money to the 2011-12 budget for several departments and allocated donations, fines, fees and recently awarded grant money.

They also changed the speed limit on a county road, named a soccer field and honored two young people who saved a 3-year old child.

In honor of two men instrumental in creating a very successful soccer program at Franklin High School, the soccer field at Joel Cheek Park behind Franklin High School was named the Burchett-Shrader Field.

Jimmy Burchett and Gary Shrader have logged more than 400 victories on the field.

“This is a total shock and is certainly appreciated,” said Burchett. “I am speechless. My wife always told me she was going to bury me on that field, now it’s named for me.”

“I want to thank many people in Williamson County, including the County Commission,” Shrader said. “There is no way we could have grown without the support. I played on the first Williamson County team many years ago. Jimmy and I couldn’t have done this without the 1000s of players.”

2011/09/08 Williamson Herald

On the Agendas: Franklin, Brentwood and County Governing Bodies meet this week

by Donna O'Neil, Managing Editor

Williamson County Commissioners will meet next Monday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. in the Auditorium in the County Administrative Building for the first session after a hiatus that included a stint for most commissioners at the County Fair.

Commissioners will vote on a resolution to name the soccer field at Joel Cheek Park as Burchett-Shrader Field. According to the resolution, “during the past 25 years, under the direction of former coach Gary Shrader (1986-95) and currently, coach Jimmy Burchett (beginning 1997), the Franklin High School Lady Rebels’ soccer team has secured 18 appearances in the State Soccer Finals, bringing home State Championship titles in 10 of those years… It is fitting and proper to acknowledge these gentlemen, who have devoted countless hours of coaching expertise to the Franklin Lady Rebels’ soccer team, in recognition of their dedicated service, which has earned Top 25 National Rankings for the school nine different years.”

2011/09/07 Williamson County Sports Page

Fairview, Franklin, and Ravenwood Begin 2011 Soccer Season Undefeated

by Amber Michel, Editor

As girls’ varsity soccer teams head into week 3 of their season, a few teams stand out, managing to remain undefeated thus far.

Another Williamson County Soccer team that is no stranger to a winning record is District 11 team, Franklin High School. The Lady Rebels enter their third week of the 2011 season sitting at 6-0 with an impressive 40 goal total already.

Franklin opened its season on August 23rd against Harpeth Hall. Chesney White and Jessica Hiskey combined for 4 of Franklin’s 6 goals, and Emily Burchfield and Morgan Langham both secured the shutout at keeper.

Franklin went on to grab another win over Pope John Paul II 5-0. Morgan Adams lead the Lady Rebels with 2 goals while once again, Emily Burchfield protected the shutout.

In week two of the season, Franklin added win number 3 and 4 to their record against Riverdale, 4-0, and Brentwood High School, 7-1. Chesney White was the leading scorer for both games, contributing 3 of the 4 goals scored against Riverdale, and 4 of the 7 scored against Brentwood.

Over this past weekend, the Lady Rebels added 2 more W’s to their record while playing in Hendersonville. Mackenzie Moore, Jessica Hiskey, and Chesney White lead the Lady Rebles against Henry County with 2 goals each to add to their 9-1 victory. Chesney White once again lead Franklin as the leading goal scorer adding 3 goals to their 9-1 victory over Arlington. Again, Emily Burchfield and Morgan Langham protected the lead at keeper.

"I am not surprised that we are undefeated at this time but I am surprised at the margin of victories,” said Coach Jimmy Burchett. “I am afraid this will cause us to become complacent and struggle against several of the teams remaining on our schedule."

One of the tough district opponents still remaining on Franklin’s schedule is Ravenwood High School. Ravenwood, although only having 2 games under its belt this season, has also started undefeated.

There is still a great deal of soccer to be played, and many other teams looking to spoil these perfect records. Williamson County soccer fans will continue to watch on as the county’s great teams continue to battle.

2011/09/5 Brentwood Home Page

Girls Soccer Update

by Kelly Gilfillin, Sportswriter

The Brentwood Lady Bruins then lost 7-1 at home to Franklin (4-0, 1-0) in Thursday's District 11-AAA opener, falling behind 3-0 in the first half. Meg Howard scored Brentwood's lone goal, the only one given up by the Lady Rebels and keeper Emily Burchfield this season.

2011/08/29 Williamson County Sports Page

Franklin and Ravenwood Girls Soccer Dominate in Opening Week

by Amber Michel, Editor

Last year, the Ravenwood Lady Raptors and the Franklin Lady Rebels had successful seasons, both just shy of a state title. Ravenwood fell one game shy of the state final after a close battle with Houston of Memphis in the state semi-final. Franklin did advance to the state championship, but had to settle for finalists. This season, both teams return on the scene strong and focused on another shot at the state title.

Both teams showed strong in last week’s opening season games, and will head into week two of the season 2-0.

Ravenwood got its first win of the season against Brentwood Academy 5-1 and followed with another win last Thursday against Ezell Harding 13-0. The scoring was spread amongst the Raptors, with the following players adding to the goal tally: Christiana Lowder 2 goals, Halley Leonhard 2 goals, Eleanor Leffler 3 goals, Maggie Pope 2 goals, Allie Parrott 1 goal, Halie Lemasters 1 goal, Kenya Freeman 1 goal, and Rose Hull scored the 13th and final goal of the scoring spree. Assisting on the goals were Emma Rose with 3 assists, Shelby Todd with 2 assists, and Kenya Freeman, Becca Roberts, Halie Lemasters, and Elizabeth Jenner all had 1 assist each.

Franklin also had a stellar opening week with wins over Harpeth Hall and Pope John Paul II. The Lady Rebels dominated Harpeth Hall 6-0 for their season opener. Chesney White had the first two goals of the game, both assisted by Lyndie Donegan. Jessica Hiskey scored off of an assist by Danya Horchi with 9:45 left in the first half, and 32 seconds later, Liza Harbin scored the 4th and final goal of the 1st half assisted by Chesney White.

Harpeth Hall was unable to answer back, and Franklin added two more goals in the second half by Sarah McCorpin, assisted by Alex Rust, and by Jessica Hiskey, assisted by Mackenzie Moore.

Emily Burchfield had 4 saves in the 1st half for Franklin, and Morgan Langham had 4 saves of her own in the second half. Both keepers contributed to the shutout.

On Thursday, August 25th, the Lady Rebels picked up their second win and shutout of the season against Pope John Paul II 5-0.

The lady Rebels’ first goal was scored by Jessica Hiskey, assisted by Chesney White. Morgan Adams added a goal of her own, with Chesney White in on the play again with the assist. Franklin went on to add 3 more goals to their lead by Chesney White, Lyndie Donegan, and Morgan Adams. The assists were by Morgan Adams and Liza Harbin. Once again, keeper Emily Burchfield, secured the shutout with 5 saves.

The two Williamson County teams will meet up on September 15th for a greatly anticipated game, when the Lady Rebels will host the Lady Raptors.

2011/08/21 The Tennessean

High School Preview: Girls Soccer

by Jeanne Reasonover, sportswriter

2011/08/18 Williamson County Sports Page

Franklin Lady Rebels Soccer Starting Off on the Right Foot

by Amber Michel, Editor

If one can judge a team based upon preseason play, then the Lady Rebels should have a great season ahead of them. Preseason play started last Tuesday with a win over AA-D2 Father Ryan High School, 1-0.

The preseason continued last night, as Franklin saw a rematch of last year's AAA State Championship QuarterFinal match, against Murfreesboro Oakland. Franklin, with 9 returning starters from it's 2010 State Championship Runner-up Team, took the rematch 6-0.

Scoring was spread out with 2 goals to seniors Jessica Hiskey, and MacKenzie Moore, one goal to senior Chesney White, and one goal to junior Danya Horchi.

Hiskey and White also had an assist each, along with other assists by senior Joann Street, and juniors Morgan Adams and Lyndie Donegan.

Junior goalkeeper Bethany Taylor held the shutout for the Rebels.

Franklin's last preseason game is this Thursday, August 18th at Cheek Park, at 6:00pm bringing another big 2010 rematch with Sumner County Substate Sectional powerhouse, the Station Camp Bisons.

Franklin begins it's regular season next week with two games, visiting Harpeth Hall on Tuesday August 23, at 7:00pm, and hosting AA-D1 State Finalist Pope John Paul II and their senior standout and UK signee, Cailin Harris, Thursday at 6:00pm at Cheek Park.

2011/08/17 Williamson Herald

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

by Marcus Stone, Sportswriter

With all due respect to Christmas, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving, Flag Day and any other holidays you may favor, this truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Well, it’s nearly here anyway.

Today marks the first day, well, first half day that is, of school for Williamson County. The majority of high school aged kids are most likely longing for a few more weeks of summer break. Trust me, I used to be right there with them. When I was 17 I would have given my right leg for five extra days of sleeping in and finishing up the last half of my summer reading list. Now, I’m glad I still have that leg so I can give it for today’s kids to get back to school.

It’s nothing the teenagers have done during the summer that makes me want them back in school. I’m sure they’ve all been well behaved and haven’t bothered me in the least bit these past three months. I just need them back in school so high school sports can start again.

Football being the premier sport of fall, I am, of course, really looking forward to its return, but I am also looking forward to the return of other fall sports as well.

In addition to football, Williamson County is known as a soccer hotbed – more specifically, a girls’ soccer hotbed.

Four teams made deep playoff runs in 2010 with the Franklin Lady Rebels finishing as Class AAA runners up after a loss to Houston in the finals.

Chesney White returns for her senior year and looks to climb even higher in the Franklin record books. She currently is No. 8 all-time in scoring for the Lady Rebels with 64 goals. The top spot, held by Jenger Burchett at 121, looks to be out of reach but the school’s second spot looks to be feasible. White trails Trish Sisson by 18 goals. Her lowest season total came in her freshman campaign when she netted 14.

2011/08/02 Williamson County Sports Page

Lady Rebels Soccer Building Upon Success, A Fall Sport Preview

by Amber Michel, Editor

When discussing girl’s high school soccer in Williamson County, one team is sure to grace most conversations. The Franklin High School Lady Rebels have become a powerhouse in Tennessee high school soccer and have continued to build upon their rich history.

“We have been fortunate at Franklin High to have had great players and great success over many years,” commented Head Coach Jimmy Burchett of the Lady Rebels. “Because the standard has been set so high by those teams, our goal is always to win the state tournament.”

While always striving to reach that high goal of winning the State Title, Coach Burchett also recognizes that because many other teams are getting so much better, just getting to the state tournament is a great accomplishment.

After a 2010 season of great success including being the undefeated District 11-AAA Regular Season Champs, undefeated District 11-AAA District Tournament Champs, undefeated Section 3-AAA Substate Tournament Champs, and the State AAA Tournament Championship Runner-ups, high expectations have been set for the Lady Rebels. These expectations will be met by a team that has lost only three players from last year’s team. Coach Burchett is depending on his many returning players to continue the success of prior years.

All four of the Lady Rebel’s scoring threats return this year, led by Chesney White with 30 goals,6 assists; Jessica Hiskey-17 goals,18 assists; Mackenzie Moore-9 goals,7 assists; and Lyndie Donegan-9 goals, 15 assists. In addition, Coach Burchett will be starting 4 seniors on defense: Joann Street, Carson Hewett, Hannah Miller, and Sarah Bea McCorpin.

Even with a strong team returning, Burchett is very aware of the challenges that lay ahead. “As is the case in most years, one of our biggest challenges will be to get out of our district,” said Burchett. “Brentwood, Centennial, Ravenwood, and Independence are all capable of beating anyone on a given night. With the success we had last year and the number of returning players, dealing with over confidence and everyone's expectations will also be a major challenge for us.”

This is a challenge that many Williamson County soccer fans will be following this season. With returning powerhouses and those teams that have continually grown stronger year after year, the 2011 Girl’s Soccer Season will be sure to grasp the attention of soccer fans!