Panther football’s leader has earned his most prestigious accolade yet. Recently, the N.C. High School Athletic Association Foundation named head coach Josh Brooks a recipient of its 2026 Tony Webb Outstanding Coach Award. Named for the former Hall of Fame head football coach at Albemarle, the award is given annually to just one male and one female coach statewide. In addition to his more than 150 career wins and 15 state playoff berths in 24 years as Franklin’s head coach, Brooks also serves as president of the N.C. Coaches’ Association and helped lead major local relief efforts after Hurricane Helene in 2024. Brooks is pictured accepting the award from FHS principal Blair King in a surprise presentation on March 30 surrounded by family and players.