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2015 Team Preview: Frankfort Falcons

January 23, 2015

By Greg Williams
WV Director of Scouting

http://networkwestvirginia.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Falcons-LOGO1-smaller-e1417540303670.pngAs we prepare for the upcoming 2015 high school season, we will be taking a preseason glimpse at programs from around the state.

Team: Frankfort
Nickname: Falcons
Class: 2A
League: Independent
Head Coach: Matt Miller
2014 Overall Record: 14-10 (lost in section semifinals)

TOP PLAYERS:
Braiden Popluhar, SS/RHP, Class of 2015 (hit .400 with 20 RBI in 2014)
Gage Shaffer, RHP/1B, Class of 2015 (6'7" senior hit 9 HR in 2014)
Brett Whiteman, RHP, Class of 2017 (tossed shutout in only varsity start as a freshman)

Others to watch:
John Ackerman, 1B/OF, Class of 2017
Ross Conley, RHP/3B, Class of 2016
Troy Mumma, LHP/OF, Class of 2016

SEASON OUTLOOK:
The Tigers return 2/3 of their starting lineup from 2014. Gone are the top to hitters in the lineup and the top two arms in the pitching rotation. Seniors Braden Popluhar and Gage Shaffer will be relied on heavily as run producers and key components of the pitching staff. A repeat of the same level of success enjoyed in 2014 will likely fall on the shoulders of newcomers to the lineup.

According to the Coach:
"We lost three of the first six hitters in our lineup to graduation: Cole Smith (Fairmont State), Hunter Jenkins (Potomac State), and Garrett Shoemaker. Shoemaker and Jenkins were also starting pitchers last year. Seniors Braiden Popluhar (2 HR), Gage Shaffer (9 HR) and Gavin Mauzy return from the middle of our order and should produce power numbers and provide run support. Popluhar enters his senior season as the projected ace of our pitching staff. Ross Conley (junior), Brett Whiteman (sophomore), and Troy Mumma (junior) are projected to fill spots in our pitching rotation. Shaffer had great success as a closer last season and will continue in the same roll. We expect to compete at a high level with a mix of experience and youthful talent."

COACHES PRE-SEASON QUESTIONNAIRE:
We appreciate all help provided by high school coaches across the state assisting with our preseason coverage. If you have not already done so you can fill out our coaches' preseason questionnaire online by CLICKING HERE.

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