Thank You, Frankos

I’ve covered preps sports since 1998, and I continue to be thankful for my career choice.

Why? Guys like Jimmy Frankos.

I’ve been on the Maine South beat for two-plus years now, and I know the athletic expectations at the Park Ridge school. I watched 10 of the Hawks’ 14 games on their way to their second consecutive Class 8A football championship.

No doubt that team was special. Every player knew his role and stuck to it to ensure the team would succeed.

This season, Frankos was in the running to be the team’s starting quarterback, a position dozens of young Park Ridge kids dream about every night. Everybody knows Maine South’s quarterback.

The junior had his chance. He alternated possessions with sophomore Matt Alviti for the first two games, both of which Maine South lost.

In Week 3, the Maine South coaches picked Alviti to be the starter.

Frankos was upset. Any competitor would be. But instead of pushing out his lower lip, Frankos extended his hand and offered his services. He told me all he cares about is helping the team win. I believe him.

Since then, all Frankos has done is kick, tackle and catch balls. He’s thrown, caught and ran for TDs. He’s also kicked extra points and field goals. Few players have done more for their teams than Frankos, who’s done it all with a big smile.

Maine South plays Stevenson on Saturday in the quarterfinals of the Class 8A playoffs. I am not supposed to cheer for teams, but I can’t help rooting for a guy like Jimmy.