The Frankfort Panther football season concluded this past Saturday with a 35-6 loss to Beal City in the Division 8 district final. With the score 14-6 at the half and the Panthers knocking on the door, it looked like the game might go down to the wire.  Unfortunately for Frankfort, Beal city scored once in the third quarter and twice in the fourth to beat the Panthers and even up the long time rivalry at nine games apiece.  

Beal City now travels to Fowler for the regional.  The Aggies jumped out to an 8-0 lead two minutes into the game on a 35 yard touchdown pass over the Frankfort secondary. The two point run was good.  It only took the panthers three plays to answer as quarterback Talon Bigley faked left, went around the end, cutback to the right, and then raced 35 yards to paydirt.  The two point try was no good making the score 8-6 Beal City.  That score stood until one minute left in the half as the Aggies punched it in from two yards out to give Beal City the 14-6 lead at the half.  It's was all Beal from there as they outscored the Panthers 21-0 in the second half.  

"We had our chances early and didn't make the most of them.  We also had a few key mistakes that opened the door for our opponent, something you just can't do in big games.  You have to give credit to Beal City. They were very physical on both sides of the ball. They converted on several third downs and made the big plays when they needed them on offense and defense".

"We have come a long way since early in the season. Our kids have worked hard to improve and have been resilient, especially after starting the season at 1-2.  We didn't accomplish our goal of winning the district championship, but we put together seven straight wins over some quality opponents, and got better each and every week. I'm extremely proud of this group; how hard they have worked together, matured, accepted coaching and constructive criticism, and their understanding of the Panther tradition of pride and excellence. They expected great things and committed themselves to being the best they could be, both as players and people." 

"We will miss these seniors and all that they bring to the program. They are a great group of young men. Now it will be up to the underclassmen to move forward and except the responsibility that comes with being a part of this great tradition".  

"We would like also like to say thank you to our community and parents for the overwhelming support over the season.  They are a key ingredient to the program's overall success".

Coach Stapleton