The Franklin Regional Youth Football program has made history, becoming the first group of players in the Big East to win four consecutive championships, an achievement no young athlete in the league has ever reached. Under the leadership of Coach Mike McGuire and a dedicated staff of 13 coaches, these teams have built a legacy defined not only by trophies, but by resilience, teamwork, and a remarkable sense of unity.

Over the last four years, Coach McGuire has worked across multiple age groups, starting with 6U flag football and now coaching padded teams at 8U, and 10U. What makes Franklin Regional’s success so exceptional is the structure of their wins:

·         Both age groups have secured championships in alternating years, meaning that even when the roster shifts and ages up, the winning culture continues.

·         Across those age groups, Franklin Regional has collected six Big East championships in the last four seasons.

Their opponents, Penn-Trafford, Kiski, Woodland Hills, McKeesport, Gateway, represent some of the region’s most competitive programs. Yet year after year, Franklin Regional has risen to the challenge. Coach McGuire credits their success to having standout players who work exceptionally well together, creating chemistry that can’t easily be taught.“They have the it factor,” he said. “It’s hard to explain, but when it’s time to perform - when the moment is big - they come together and deliver.”

This year wasn’t a breezy march to the top. For the first time, the team faced genuine adversity during the regular season, suffering two unexpected losses, something unprecedented for this group. But doubt never took root. Instead, the players dug deeper, practiced harder, and leaned on one another. Their defining moment came during the final game of the season, played in pouring rain against Woodland Hills. With their starting quarterback injured and playoff seeding on the line, the team rallied for a decisive 14–0 victory, securing the third seed and igniting a postseason surge.

Once in the playoffs, they faced the two teams that had defeated them earlier in the year, Penn-Trafford and Gateway, and avenged both losses in commanding fashion:

·         20–0 versus Penn-Trafford

·         20–6 versus Gateway in the Championship 

It was the ultimate display of heart.

Franklin Regional’s offense is known for its explosiveness, but it’s the defensive unit that truly sets this team apart. Coach McGuire describes them as a group with exceptional football IQ, toughness, and relentless energy.

“They hit hard, they’re smart, and they’re tough,” he said. “Just a hard-nosed group of kids.”

The coaching staff plays a major role in their continued success. Led by McGuire and Tim Hurney who are also the district’s middle school football coaches, the staff brings continuity, discipline, and passion year after year.

The players now move forward into another season with FAMFA, with one group shifting into 12U and the other staying at 10U. The goal? To keep the momentum going, and possibly add another chapter to their already impressive run.

For Coach McGuire and the rest of the staff, the most exciting part isn’t the trophies. It’s imagining where these athletes will go as they grow into high school players.

“We can’t wait to see them under the Friday NightLights,” he said. “This group is special.”

Four consecutive championships don’t happen by accident. They happen because a community comes together, coaches invest deeply, and kids believe in one another enough to rise every time they’re knocked down. Franklin Regional Youth Football isn’t just building athletes; they’re building leaders, resilient, tough, explosive, and united. And their story is far from over.