– Injuries hampered Cecilia High School defensive back Franky Frank’s junior season in 2025.
Now back for his senior year, Frank is expecting to leave his mark on the program as a leader in the secondary with a return to his natural position, cornerback. “It was tough mentally more than physically,” Frank said of the injuries that led him to miss games. “(During) physical therapy I really progressed fast. I came back a month earlier than I was supposed to.
“But it was just a mental battle, watching my team from the sideline, knowing I could be in the game. But I had to fight through it.”
Frank contributed when he returned despite the missed time, his head coach said.
“When it was all settled, he was healthy, he was back at his natural position,” coach Cody Champagne said. “Towards the end of the season, he shined, but he missed a chunk of the season because of injury. I think he’s looking to make sure he goes out on a great note.”
After a strong first couple of seasons with the Bulldogs, Frank was expected to be a big contributor on defense as a junior. He wants to make up for that lost time this season.
“I want (to earn) All-State and All-Metro (honors), all the accolades I was supposed to get last year,” he said. “I didn’t qualify because of my injury. And I just want to make the people around me better, the team better, and be a leader.”
Taking charge and leading when times are tough will be his way of showing he’s a leader, Frank said.
“Just take the ropes when it gets hard, fight adversity, and just be the best player I can be,” he said.
Frank will play some offense also this season at slot receiver.
Champagne said he’s just looking for Frank to be who he is this season.
“Just be who they are,” the coach said of the senior leaders. “Make sure they’re the leader in their drills. I always say they’re the head coach at their position. Those guys have been doing it for so long that they could be that next guy, pushing his group and making sure they’re the next wave up that’s not letting the standard drop. If they’ll just be who they are, we’ll be fine.”
Frank plans to sign to play football at Northwestern State and also has other offers.
“It feels like a family,” Frank said. “Out of all the offers I have, they showed the most love, so that really means a lot to me.”
Frank earned firstteam All-District 5-4A honors at defensive back as a sophomore during the Bulldogs’ state championship football season.
The Bulldogs open the regular season at home on Sept. 4 against Northside.
Frank said he’d love another shot at a title as a senior.
“Dome,” Frank said of his hopes for the team this year. “We want another ring. That’s all.”
