A Cast of Characters Leads Frisco High School's Football Rise

In District 9-4A, Lake Dallas, McKinney North, and Frisco have distinguished themselves against some very tough, very talented teams. For the Raccoons, the leadership reins belong not to a single player, but to a number of players who each lead by example. It's a perfect situation for head coach Vance Gibson, who stresses preparation and a team effort as the recipe for success. "We knew going into the season that we could be a good football team if we took care of the things we could control. We want them at the highest level they are capable of playing."

To the casual observer who only looks at stats, they would think the team is all about Brogan Funderberg. While the Raccoon running back has had a breakout year, Coach Gibson points out that he has a number of players who have contributed this year. "Any good team is going to have more than one or two players who step up," he says. For Frisco, they come on both sides of the football.

"GOLDENARM" GRANEY

Colin Graney is more than just the quarterback; he is the spiritual center in the midst of the football chaos. "I try to be the one who is always calm. I try to lift up everyone. If something goes wrong, I don't point fingers, that's the last thing you want to do, but I talk to them when I can." That usually isn't a problem. Many of the players have played with each other for several years, and they get along well. "There's a lot of team chemistry this year. Brogan and I have been playing for six years together. Evan and I have been playing together for 5 years. For a quarterback, it's always nice."

Graney has needed that familiarity this year. District 9 is full of great teams, even if the records may not reflect it. "Our district is very competitive and every game is important. It seems every year a different team goes to the playoffs. It just shows how good some of the teams in our district are." Graney also has a close relationship with Coach Gibson, and it has helped him mature as a player. "He's one of the smartest guys I've ever talked to. When you sit in his office to watch film, I can't imagine how many things go through his mind. He is one of the best planning coaches I've seen. He knows what works in some situations. He may yell at you, but then he talks to you afterward to make sure you understand. He's not afraid to apologize if he upset you. It's rare to talk to a coach like he's actually your friend. You have more respect for him."

Graney knows that when his playing days at Frisco are over, it may well mark the end of his football career. A good student in the top 15% of his class, Colin plans to study pre-med at a school like Baylor or Oklahoma. That won't leave much time for football, so his time with the Raccoons now may be his last chance for football glory.

DAYS OF FUNDERBERG

In the offseason, head coach Vance Gibson told Brogan Funderberg and the rest of the Raccoons that this season could be something special. "All summer, coach told us we would be good this year," Brogan said. Now, it looks like the rest of North Texas is starting to believe it. The breakout year the senior is having is just one side effect of a breakout team season.

It was not long ago that Frisco was known as a one-dimensional team. "Last year, we ran four wides because that gave us the best chance to win," Coach Gibson said. "This year, we have a line that can control the line of scrimmage, and we have Brogan. We wanted to control the tempo of the game, so we have more running plays." Brogan started running early in the season, including 189 yards against Lakeview Centennial and 142 yards against West Mesquite, and like Forrest Gump, has not stopped running. "Brogan made a big jump from last year," Graney said, who has changed how he plays the game thanks to a better running game. "I play more under center since I am more mobile. This year, we are more of a run and gun type of team."

A Frisco resident since he was a fourth grader, Brogan is a laid-back guy who has still not adjusted to all of the new attention he is getting. "I am kinda surprised when I see my name in the paper as the rushing leader," he admits. He's also getting recognized more in public, especially around Frisco. "I've even signed some autographs after the game for some little kids," he admits. "My stepdad has started calling me Hollywood."

While his mother is also enjoying the attention her son gets, Brogan admits she still worries about him getting injured on the field. "She's just being a mom - she hasn't run out onto the field or anything yet." Part of that may be because Brogan is not exactly Jerome Bettis: he is only 5' 8" and 180. Even so, he puts it all to good use. Brogan hopes to get the attention of a good college. "I'd like to play close, at a Division I school," he says.

WAKEFIELD, THE FEARLESS MINISTER OF DEFENSE

Linebackers should play without fear. Josh Wakefield, the starting middle linebacker, models his play after two greats. "Brian Urlacher and Ray Lewis, I try to play like them," says the longtime Frisco resident. As the field general for the Raccoons defense, a lot of responsibility falls upon him, so it's good his standards are high.

"I call the plays for the defense. I have to study the offense and their formation and line the defense up. It's a big responsibility, and I like it." In fact, it seems as there isn't anything about the game that rattles him. That may be because he has complete faith in Coach Gibson and his staff. "Whatever he has me do, I do it. He's a good man. He doesn't treat us like high school seniors, he treats us like men." Don't think Wakefield is sold on his coaches? He even loves practice. PRACTICE! "I love the way the coaches run our practice, they don't try to kill us, but they run us hard." Anyone with that kind of devotion for the game is either crazy or fanatical, or a wonderful combination of both. That makes him the perfect fit for middle linebacker.

Coach Gibson has nothing but high praise for Josh. "He is every coach's dream. We use the phrase, 'some people get it and some don't.' He's one that gets it. He's conscious of team chemistry, and is a liaison between the coaches and the team." It also helps that Wakefield is a ball hawk, with the physical skills to back up his devotion. "We (the linebackers) have speed and size. I'm 220 but I can run. We have a good combination of both."

Wakefield wasn't always such a football fanatic. In fact, it was not until high school that he focused on football. "Growing up, my mom made me play everything, baseball, basketball, football, track. When I got to high school she let me concentrate on one sport." Now that he has found his sports niche, he finds himself in good company. "I've really enjoyed this year, we're really getting along. I had a lot of faith in our team, I knew we would play strong. I'm very proud of all of them."

EVAN COACHMAN: MR. RACCOON HANDS

Do you know how raccoons have those hands? Those creepy, human-like hands with opposable thumbs that allow them to dunk bread in water? Hands like that could probably catch anything. That's probably why Evan Coachman was destined to be a Raccoon. With the rise of the Mighty Funderberg in the backfield, it has allowed Graney's receivers to get open more often. Coachman has been a main beneficiary, putting up some good numbers against some key opponents, including 167 yards and two touchdowns against The Colony. You won't find him dunking bread in water: he's more likely to spike the ball after a touchdown.

"That game (against The Colony) was really a breakout game for me. Since our team can run and pass, I tend to get open. Colin is throwing really well, he's exceeded our expectations. I'm either running an out short on the flat or go deep trying to get one-on-one coverage in a mismatch."

At 6' 2" and 190 lbs. with 4.7 speed, Coachman is an easy target for Graney, and his numbers as the season progressed prove it. Evan is quick to give credit where it is due. "We have a tremendous offensive line. They create giant holes for Brogan and they've given up something like one sack of Colin. I think they are the best in the district," he said. Coach Gibson agrees, and takes the opportunity to recognize another senior. "Daniel Hale started out at tight end, but we moved him to tackle because he was our best blocker. He's very team-oriented. He's not selfish. Whatever he can do to make the team successful, he'll do it."

Preparation during the week is an important facet of Gibson's philosophy. "We talk about what we did wrong last week and what we can improve this week. When we do our job, we can compete with anyone," Coachman said.

Evan is also quick to give props to his teammates on defense. "I think the defense is underrated. We have a great defensive line. Josh Wakefield is great. It tends to get overshadowed by Brogan's success. It's one of our brighter spots on the team. Adrian Hendricks is one of our crazy, jumping around types. He keep us up."

No matter how the season ends for Frisco High, you can consider it a successful year. It is not just because individual players were able to get extra attention. The Raccoons as a team have earned the respect of their rivals in District 9 and the admiration of fans in and around Frisco. "It's nice to know you have your community out there to support you in the stands," Coachman says.