September 27, 2007
Prep Notes: Coaches discuss Franklin allegations
By Quwan Spears and Bill Paterson - Bee Staff Writers
A day after the Sac-Joaquin Section accused Franklin High School in Stockton of illegally recruiting teenagers to play football, reaction from local coaches was mixed.
"People are innocent until proven guilty," Elk Grove coach Dave Hoskins said Wednesday. "But if everything I'm reading is true, then I think they should get a stiff penalty."
The section alleged Franklin recruited at least 10 players from American Samoa since 2004. The section also accused Franklin of paying for airfare and housing accommodations for parents and students, and submitting fraudulent information to enroll the students at the school.
Franklin officials, including football coach Tom Verner, have denied the charges.
Franklin, which beat seventh-ranked Elk Grove last week and lost to third-ranked Grant on Sept. 7, hosts Nevada Union on Oct. 5 -- the deadline for the school to formally respond to the section's accusations.
Once Franklin responds, the section could determine what action to take, which could range from having the football squad forfeit its games to banning the team from the playoffs for one to two years.
"You're always concerned about a situation like this, especially if it's true, because you want everybody to play by the same rules," Laguna Creek coach Mark Nill said.
"On the flip side, you hope it's not true. You want due process to play out and for the school to get the opportunity to refute the charges."
This is the second time Franklin has been accused of violating section rules.
In 1997, the section ruled brothers Frank and Crawford Strong were ineligible after transferring to Franklin from Saint Mary's High School in Stockton through "undue influence," a section violation.
Franklin's 10-0 record that fall was erased from league standings, and the school was banned from the playoffs that season.
• Highlands' football team has forfeited its 42-6 victory against Natomas on Sept. 7 for playing an ineligible player. The forfeit also was noted on MaxPreps.com.
It's never too early -- Although they have just entered their junior years at Sheldon, Bee Softball Player of the Year Jolene Henderson and All-Metro first-team catcher Lindsey Ziegenhirt both have verbally committed to Cal. Senior teammate Morgan Otto has committed to San Jose State.
Last season, Henderson went 18-1 with an 0.44 ERA, while Ziegenhirt drove in 40 runs and was the Delta River League Player of the Year. Otto was an all-league selection in helping the Huskies to a 29-1 record and Sac-Joaquin Section Division I championship.
Also, Placer High School volleyball player Sydney McDowell, a 6-foot-2 middle blocker, has verbally committed to Cal State Fullerton, according to StudentSports.com.
Wave in Rocklin -- Pepperdine men's basketball coach Vance Walberg will be among the guest speakers at the Sept. 29 Rocklin Basketball Clinic at Rocklin High School. The event is co-sponsored by Rocklin boys basketball coach Steve Taylor and William Jessup University. For information, call Taylor at (916) 632-1053 or (916) 208-6266.
Tip-Off time -- Kentucky's Billy Gillispie and Nevada's Mark Fox are among the basketball coaches who will participate in the 31st Annual John Karsten Tip-Off Clinic on Oct. 6 at St. Francis High School.
Sheldon boys basketball coach Scott Gradin will participate with former Santa Clara coach Dick Davey in an evening Q&A session. For information, go to www.hoopsclinic.net.
Basketball officials needed -- Those interested in becoming high school boys and girls basketball referees can contact Brian Moore by e-mail at BMoore6486@aol.com or by visiting the Northern California Officials Association Web site at www.norcalofficials.org.
The first training meeting is at 6 p.m. Oct. 15 at Rio Tierra Junior High School, 3201 Northstead Drive, Sacramento.