by Clyde Parker

FRANKLIN
What an event! The undefeated 1965 and 1966 Franklin High School football teams came together early this month for a reunion at Fred’s restaurant. To top it all off, coaches Roy Ledford and Gary Pierce, both of Charlotte, and team physician Dr. Fred Ward, of Richmond, were also in attendance.

A lot of camaraderie existed among the Broncos’ players back then. Here it is 50 years later, and, as shown at the event, it still exists today.

The 1965 team defeated Suffolk, 27-7; Forest Glen, 33-0; Kenbridge, 40-0; Poquoson, 13-0; John Yeates, 41-0; Windsor, 33-6; Smithfeild, 13-0; James Blair, 20-0; Southampton, 7-6; and Northampton, 27-0.

The 1966 teams defetaed Suffolk, 20-13; Northampton, 41-12; Forest Glen, 33-0; Poquoson, 7-0; John Yeates, 55-6; Windsor, 46-0; Smithfield, 32-0; James Blair, 30-6; and Southampton, 33-7.

Attendees at the reunion include Billy Atkinson, Bob Burgess, Bobby Eubanks, Fred Hollowell, Danny Morgan, Ronnie West, Mitch Sandlin, Wayne Barker, Ricky Clark, Allan Morris, Dickie Surace, Tony Surace, Oma Underwood, Frank Whitehead, George Burgess, Welton Desheilds, Carter Hudgins, Tommy Johnson, Frank Rabil, Carter Whitley, Tate Cotton, Mike Atkinson, Jimmy Gray, Tom Jones, Butch Turner, Chester Burgess and Jack Williams. Cheerleaders Rin Henry, Maxine Day, Sarah Page Gehrken, Ann Lankford, Linda Appleby, Cherry Bradshaw, Arlene Dampier, Darlene Dampier and Donna Kingery were also in attendance.

There were several displays of old photographs and newspaper articles, and many reminiscent discussions took place. There was a lot of laughter and kidding on another. Of course, there was also much talk about various incidents and unusual plays during some of the games.

Following the reunion, a donation was made in honor of the coaches to the Franklin Education Foundation.