QB Club dinner draws approximately 300 people and raises nearly $6,800 for the program
WINCHESTER, Tenn. — Sunday night was more than a fundraiser for Franklin County football. It was another step toward rebuilding the connection between the Rebels and the community they represent. Approximately 300 people gathered inside the Franklin County High School gymnasium for a Quarterback Club dinner featuring former Tennessee head coach and Franklin County alumnus Phillip Fulmer.
Fulmer, who went from Franklin County High School to the University of Tennessee in 1968, later guided the Volunteers to the 1998 national championship during a Hall of Fame coaching career. The dinner raised $6,781.64, with additional proceeds coming from merchandise sales. The money will support the Quarterback Club’s efforts to provide resources for a Franklin County football program that now includes more than 60 players.
Quarterback Club President James Price helped organize the event as part of a larger effort to build excitement and financial support around the program under new head coach Chuck Reid.
Reid addressed the crowd, introduced his coaching staff and outlined a vision that extends well beyond wins and losses. The program’s stated priorities are Faith, Family, Academics and Football, with players challenged to “Work Hard, Improve Every Day, Be Unselfish and Be Your Best.” Reid’s plan emphasizes discipline, character, academic achievement, athletic development and preparing players for life after high school. His presentation also outlined efforts to strengthen the program at every level through additional junior varsity and freshman games, offseason development, improved equipment, post-practice nutrition and consistent coaching throughout the program.
While Reid made it clear that Franklin County intends to compete for championships, his larger purpose is to build young men who understand accountability, commitment, leadership and teamwork. That message fit naturally with one of the evening’s most meaningful moments.
Fulmer reflected on the struggles the Rebels experienced during his early seasons. He also spoke about integration and the way teammates from different backgrounds came together, helping Franklin County accomplish some of the greatest feats in the program’s early history. His story served as a reminder that successful programs are not built only through talent. They are built when players, coaches, schools and communities find a shared purpose. That sense of unity could be seen throughout the gym.
Numerous former Rebels attended the dinner, including members of the historic 1985 team coached by Harold “Red” Roberts. That team completed an undefeated regular season, won its opening playoff game and finished 11-1 after falling to Cleveland in the second round. Jimmy Davis, a member of that team, delivered the invocation. Franklin County Mayor Chris Guess, another member of the 1985 squad, was also in attendance, along with Dr. Roger Alsup, members of the Franklin County Board of Education, Sheriff Tim Fuller and other community leaders. Alsup officially began serving as Franklin County’s Director of Schools on July 1.
The gathering continued a recent trend of Franklin County alumni and supporters rallying around local athletes. Similar community fellowship was evident during events such as the Pink-Out alumni game to support Gracen Baggett and her family as well as other activities over the past year. Reid has assembled an experienced staff to guide the rebuilding effort. That group includes defensive coordinator David Norris, whose coaching background includes five state championship teams during his time in Texas and Middle Tennessee.
The Rebels are coming out of a difficult stretch, but Sunday’s dinner was intentionally focused on what is being built rather than what has already happened. There is renewed energy around the program. There are more players participating, experienced coaches teaching them and a Quarterback Club working tirelessly to provide the resources they need. Most importantly, there is a community that has stepped up and demonstrated that this group of young men will not have to do it alone.
Franklin County will get its next look at Reid’s Rebels when the team takes the field for a scrimmage Friday night. After an evening that connected the program’s past with its future, we are eager to see what the next chapter of Franklin County football will look like.
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