It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Lotz House in Franklin, IN gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Franklin, IN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Youngs Creek Park in Franklin, IN with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Red Pony or visit Carnton, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Franklin, IN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Franklin, IN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Franklin, IN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
If there is someone who knows what having the Virginia Tech football program back and being a national brand is like, it's former wide receiver Eddie Royal. If there were someone who could quickly flip the program and wake it up, it would be James Franklin.On Saturday, the ACC Huddle crew was in Charlottesville for the season opener between North Carolina State and Virginia. The crew discussed the hiring of Franklin in Blacksburg, and Royal didn't mince words about what Franklin needs to accomplish and accomplish early in his Virginia...
If there is someone who knows what having the Virginia Tech football program back and being a national brand is like, it's former wide receiver Eddie Royal. If there were someone who could quickly flip the program and wake it up, it would be James Franklin.
On Saturday, the ACC Huddle crew was in Charlottesville for the season opener between North Carolina State and Virginia. The crew discussed the hiring of Franklin in Blacksburg, and Royal didn't mince words about what Franklin needs to accomplish and accomplish early in his Virginia Tech tenure.
Royal explained what he would like Franklin and the Hokies' new staff to accomplish early in the 2026 season against what is a favorable schedule. However, that doesn't always mean success.
"Just get out of the gate, and you have to win early to get the momentum rolling early,'' said Royal. "Find some form of identity on offense, whether that's running the ball or throwing the ball; you have some type of identity. They lacked that the last couple of years. Just look sharp like a professional program. (Franklin)'s preached it, he's got it all aligned; now it's time to line it up and play football.''
Winning early is certainly something that is possible. Home games with VMI and Old Dominion should get the Hokies off to a good start, before interesting road games at Maryland to close out the non-conference schedule and Boston College to open ACC play. Then things get tougher over the last eight weeks of conference play.
There are a lot of unknowns about Virginia Tech this season. To be honest, there isn't anywhere to go but up. Coming off a 3-9 2025 season that saw Brent Pry fired as head coach, then rehired by Franklin as his defensive coordinator, as he was at Penn State before he left to become the head coach at Virginia Tech. That could end up being one of the more underrated moves this offseason.
Offensively, it would help the Hokies if Ethan grunkemeyer picks up where he left off last season at Penn State. It can't be stated enough how important a stretch it was, with him being able to come over to Virginia Tech and be given the keys to the offense right away. The running game should be good as long as the offensive line can hold up, while there are some weapons in the passing game with the tight ends and wide receivers.
Again, there is nowhere to go but up after the last couple of seasons. Franklin's teams have always found a way to form a quick identity, and that needs to be the case again in 2026.
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Back to News As UDC looks beyond its 175th anniversary, Chief Operating Officer David Franklin is focused on the systems, spaces and infrastructure that will help carry the university into its next chapter.From modernizing technology and campus facilities to strengthening operations, emergency preparedness and financial sustainability, Franklin’s work touches nearly every aspect of the university experience. In this UDC 175 conversation, he discusses the investments UDC is making today to better serve students, faculty...
Back to News
As UDC looks beyond its 175th anniversary, Chief Operating Officer David Franklin is focused on the systems, spaces and infrastructure that will help carry the university into its next chapter.
From modernizing technology and campus facilities to strengthening operations, emergency preparedness and financial sustainability, Franklin’s work touches nearly every aspect of the university experience. In this UDC 175 conversation, he discusses the investments UDC is making today to better serve students, faculty and staff — and position the District’s public university for the future.
PLJ: As UDC prepares for its next chapter, what investments in infrastructure, technology and operations will be most critical to the university’s success?
DF: As UDC looks toward the future, our investments must create an environment where innovation, efficiency and student success go hand in hand. The university’s future success depends on strengthening its digital foundation, remodeling core operations, enhancing data-informed decision-making and leveraging emerging technologies to improve the experience of students, faculty and staff while advancing academic excellence and student support.
To achieve this vision, we are continuing to modernize campus infrastructure, expand digital capabilities and strengthen the operational systems that support teaching, research and student services. This includes investing in smart classrooms, resilient and sustainable facilities, cloud-enabled technology infrastructure and integrated enterprise systems that improve everything from enrollment and financial services to human resources and procurement. We are also striving to leverage AI and workflow automations to improve administrative efficiency and streamline business processes while maintaining strong governance and accountability.
In addition, we are enhancing our campus facilities through strategic capital improvements that improve accessibility, convenience and long-term value. A key example is our plan to automate the campus parking garage, which will improve the experience for students, faculty, staff and visitors by reducing long wait times to enter and exit the facility. The automated system will also create new revenue opportunities by enabling the university to lease parking spaces during non-peak hours, maximizing the value of an existing campus asset while supporting operational efficiency and financial sustainability.
PLJ: Students often experience the university through its services, technology and physical spaces. How does operational excellence influence student success and institutional effectiveness?
DF: Students experience the university long before they enter a classroom. Every interaction, from registering for classes and accessing financial aid to connecting with technology or walking across campus, shapes their perception of the institution.
Operational excellence means creating seamless, responsive and reliable experiences that remove barriers to success. When our systems work efficiently, our facilities are well-kept and welcoming and our services are accessible, students can focus on what matters most: learning, growing and achieving their goals.
At the same time, none of these investments can achieve their full impact unless students, faculty, staff and visitors feel safe. A safe campus is the bedrock of student success. That is why strengthening our emergency management program is a strategic priority. We are committed to enhancing emergency preparedness through comprehensive planning, coordinated response protocols, modern communication systems, regular training and exercises and strong partnerships with public safety agencies.
Strong operations also strengthen institutional effectiveness by allowing our faculty and staff to spend more time serving students and less time navigating administrative challenges. By investing in outstanding services, innovative technology, welcoming physical spaces and a robust emergency management program, UDC is creating an environment where students feel supported, secure and empowered to succeed.
PLJ: What operational transformation has positioned UDC most effectively for the future?
DF: One of the most significant transformations has been our commitment to modernizing both our infrastructure and our business operations simultaneously. Rather than viewing facilities, technology, human capital and administrative services as separate functions, we have taken an integrated approach that aligns every aspect of our operations with the university’s strategic priorities.
We have strengthened project management, expanded technology solutions, improved operational planning, introduced a diversified talent management strategy and focused on creating more efficient, transparent processes across the institution.
Equally important is our commitment to developing a comprehensive compensation philosophy that positions UDC to attract, reward and retain exceptional talent. Our faculty and staff are our greatest asset, and a clearly defined compensation philosophy will establish a transparent, equitable and market-informed framework for compensation decisions. By aligning compensation with performance, assessing internal bench strength, instilling institutional values and anticipating workforce planning needs, we are investing in the people who drive student success, research excellence, operational efficiency and institutional innovation.
By enhancing our operations and building a talent management strategy and compensation philosophy that values and supports our workforce, UDC is creating the groundwork for an exceptional employee experience, a high-performing and engaged organizational culture and long-term institutional success.
PLJ: How is UDC modernizing its infrastructure and operations to meet the evolving needs of students, faculty and staff?
DF: Modernization at UDC means creating an environment that supports today’s learners while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities. By investing in secure digital infrastructure, modern enterprise platforms, process improvement and emerging technologies, the university is enhancing the academic enterprise, empowering faculty and staff, strengthening institutional effectiveness and delivering more responsive, student-centered services.
Key initiatives include advancing cloud transformation to modernize enterprise systems and infrastructure; expanding network capacity, wireless coverage, classroom technologies and digital infrastructure to support teaching, learning, research and hybrid work; and improving the delivery of IT services through responsive support, stakeholder engagement and user-focused technologies.
One example is the expanded use of the full suite of Jaggaer procurement platforms and portals. We are working to streamline purchasing processes, reduce administrative challenges, improve transparency and ensure that departments can obtain the goods and services they need in a timelier and more efficient manner.
Dynamic operations require continuous improvement, collaboration across departments and a culture that embraces innovation while remaining centered on service. By aligning infrastructure investments, digital transformation initiatives and operational excellence, UDC is creating a more seamless campus experience while positioning the university to adapt, innovate and thrive in a rapidly changing higher education landscape.
PLJ: The 175th Anniversary Gala demonstrated strong support for UDC’s mission and future. How do investments in students complement investments in the university’s operational foundation?
DF: Investing in students and investing in the university’s operational foundation are not competing priorities; they are inseparable. A world-class student experience depends on a strong operational framework, and effective operations exist to advance student success.
Scholarships, academic programs, student support services and experiential learning opportunities help students reach their full potential. At the same time, state-of-the-art facilities, reliable technology, efficient operations and safe, welcoming learning environments create the conditions that allow those investments to have their greatest impact.
Equally important is strengthening partnerships with businesses, government agencies, nonprofits and industry leaders to expand internships, cooperative education, research opportunities and other hands-on learning experiences. These partnerships ensure that students graduate with not only a degree but also the practical experience, professional networks and career-ready skills that today’s workforce demands.
These investments also create a lasting cycle of engagement and impact. Students who benefit from meaningful educational experiences, strong industry connections and successful career outcomes are more likely to remain connected to the university as alumni. As they advance in their careers, they become mentors, internship sponsors, employers, advocates and philanthropic supporters who help create opportunities for future generations of students.
The tremendous support demonstrated during our 175th Anniversary Gala reaffirmed that our community believes in UDC’s mission and future. Every investment in our students and our operational infrastructure strengthens the university’s ability to deliver transformational educational experiences and develop the next generation of leaders.
PLJ: What opportunities do you see for strengthening UDC’s capacity to serve the District over the next decade?
DF: UDC has a unique opportunity to deepen its role as the District’s public university by expanding partnerships, embracing innovation and continuing to modernize the way we serve our community.
As Washington, DC, continues to evolve, the university can strengthen workforce development and employee training, support economic growth and prepare students for emerging industries through strategic investments in facilities, technology and academic infrastructure. We also have opportunities to enhance community engagement, improve operational efficiency and build stronger collaborations with government, industry and nonprofit partners.
Our goal is to ensure that UDC remains a trusted resource for education, research and public service while continuing to reflect the needs and aspirations of the District we proudly serve.
PLJ: What excites you most about UDC’s next chapter?
DF: What excites me most is the opportunity to position UDC as a more agile, financially sustainable and student-centered institution that is prepared to meet the needs of future generations. Beyond the progress we have already made, we are focused on building the financial and organizational flexibility needed to pursue new opportunities and respond quickly to changing student and community needs.
One way we are approaching this is by developing a more agile budgeting model that enables us to strategically reallocate resources as institutional priorities evolve while ensuring long-term fiscal stability. Implementing a flexible financial framework allows us to respond to emerging opportunities and position the university for a financially sustainable future.
One of the most transformative opportunities before us is advancing plans for UDC’s first student residential campus. With a potential completion date of 2029, this project represents far more than a new facility — it reflects our vision of creating a vibrant living-learning environment that strengthens student engagement, supports recruitment and retention and enhances the overall campus experience. Residential housing will strengthen our ability to recruit students from across the District, the region and beyond. A residential campus would be a historic milestone for the university and a strategic investment that will help position UDC for long-term growth and competitiveness.
In the end, capable stewardship isn’t simply about maintaining what we have; it is about enabling conditions that allow our students, faculty and staff to thrive. By combining innovative infrastructure — including new student residential housing — with state-of-the-art technology and disciplined financial stewardship, we can ensure UDC remains a resilient, forward-looking institution that delivers exceptional value to the District and the communities we serve.
In their second, and final, preseason scrimmage the La Grange Leopards put on quite a show.Hosting the state’s preseason No. 4-ranked team in Class 3A, the Franklin Lions, the Leps won the first half of the scrimmage 21-14, which included a set number of reps between each team’s starters and reserves. Then in a live 12 minutes of play to conclude the scrimmage, the Leps again beat the Lions 21-14.The entire night punctuated the preseason with a exclamation point, and sends the Leps into this week’s regular sea...
In their second, and final, preseason scrimmage the La Grange Leopards put on quite a show.
Hosting the state’s preseason No. 4-ranked team in Class 3A, the Franklin Lions, the Leps won the first half of the scrimmage 21-14, which included a set number of reps between each team’s starters and reserves. Then in a live 12 minutes of play to conclude the scrimmage, the Leps again beat the Lions 21-14.
The entire night punctuated the preseason with a exclamation point, and sends the Leps into this week’s regular season opener against Navasota with a full head of steam.
“On the defensive side I thought we did a great job of preparation all week. I thought they were really focused, which is the sign of a cham-pionship football team,” said La Grange head coach Kyle Cooper. “Offensively we created some big plays. I thought we had some really nice hookups in the passing game ... Franklin is really physical but I thought we matched their physicality tonight ... We’re coming in a little heftier (on the offensive line compared to last year). They are getting better every day and they can be a really physically dominating offensive line.”
La Grange has a very senior- heavy team all around and that experience (nine returning starters back on offensive and nine on defense) really seemed to show in this scrimmage.
During that first half of the scrimmage, the Leps got a 45-yard touchdown run from quarterback Eli Gillum. Then a 55-yard run by Skip Holmes set up a six-yard touchdown pass from Ryder Klesel to Rogan Mihatsch. Later Edric Gants scored on a 42 yard touchdown run.
Koen Zbranek also had several catches for the Leps Thursday.
During the 12-minute portion of live play that concluded the scrimmage, La Grange’s Dillan Johnson ran for an 11yard touchdown and caught an 11-yard touchdown pass from Gillum.
“I liked how focused we were,” Johnson said. “We’re dedicated in practice and ready for the season.”
Each time La Grange scored in that timed period, however, Franklin answered those La Grange scores.
But in the closing seconds of the scrimmage Klayton Michalka caught a pass from Gillum and scampered 70 yards for what would turn out to be the game-winning score.
Michalka is making the move from running back last year to receiver this season.
“I love it so much,” Michalka said of that switch. “I’m a little undersized for running through the holes. Now I get to run long, catch the ball and keep running – and that’s what I’m good at.”
Gio Luna was perfect on all six of his extra point tries for the Leps.
With the preseason in the books, the Leps can now turn their attention to this Friday’s opponent, Navasota, a team that went 8-4 last season and beat the Leps 65-27 in 2025.
“They are going to be explosive,” Cooper said of Navasota. “They are going to have some athletes on the field. I thought they did a really good job against us last year and the scoreboard showed it ... We played a good first half against them last year but we have to be ready to finish – start fast, finish strong. We’re a more mature football club. We are not the same team that played them last year. We need to limit explosive plays on their part and continue to create on our part and dominate the line of scrimmage.”
Marquette Law School Poll Director Charles Franklin discusses inflation and the cost of living as the top issue in 2026 for Wisconsin voters, who also hold broad opposition to data center development.Charles Franklin on Wisconsin voters holding broad opposition to data center development.Charles Franklin: When we ask what’s the most important issue facing the state? Inflation and the cost of living is 42%. It’s been the top issue for at least four years now — doesn’t seem to be going awa...
Marquette Law School Poll Director Charles Franklin discusses inflation and the cost of living as the top issue in 2026 for Wisconsin voters, who also hold broad opposition to data center development.
Charles Franklin on Wisconsin voters holding broad opposition to data center development.
Charles Franklin: When we ask what’s the most important issue facing the state? Inflation and the cost of living is 42%. It’s been the top issue for at least four years now — doesn’t seem to be going away at all. But data centers, in contrast, only 5% name data centers is most important. And even when we ask what’s your second most important issue? Still 5% for data centers. So we’ve seen an awful lot of mobilization — people showing up at planning commissions or city councils really pushing against data centers, and 76% opposed to them at this point — but none of that has translated into seeing it as the most important problem facing the state at all.
Murv Seymour: What does that tell you in terms of how this is going to impact, I guess, the people that are going to represent us at the state level?
Charles Franklin: I think that it’s easy to oppose data centers in the sense that a big majority of the public agrees with you on that issue. The question is how do you oppose them? Is it a matter of balancing electric costs against ratepayers and things like that? Or is it about actually banning them or at least having a moratorium on them? So there’s certainly going to be some differences in approach to how you deal with the data centers. But the general opposition is really surprisingly strong. But that low 5% saying it’s most important is a suggestion that candidates might be better off talking about the economy and not so much focused on data centers per se. To the extent data centers link in, it’s through rising costs people think they might get because of the data centers: “My electric rates may go up.” That ties into the concern with the cost of living, but it’s not the data centers per se.
BLACKSBURG, Va. — We're now four days out from Virginia Tech's Sept. 5 opener against VMI, and ahead of the season-opening clash with the Keydets, our writers offered their takes on how they think the season will go. Read below for their thoughts:Lucas Boyd: I think James Franklin will deliver an 8-win season in his first season in Blacksburg. I think Tech opens up the season 6-0 with wins against Pitt and at Cal before dropping the next three against Georgia Tech, Clemson, and SMU. Closing out ...
BLACKSBURG, Va. — We're now four days out from Virginia Tech's Sept. 5 opener against VMI, and ahead of the season-opening clash with the Keydets, our writers offered their takes on how they think the season will go. Read below for their thoughts:
Lucas Boyd: I think James Franklin will deliver an 8-win season in his first season in Blacksburg. I think Tech opens up the season 6-0 with wins against Pitt and at Cal before dropping the next three against Georgia Tech, Clemson, and SMU. Closing out the season, I think they beat Stanford, drop to Miami, and reclaim the Commonwealth Clash with a victory against rival Virginia to close the season out. My prediction for James Franklin's first year is 8-4 (4-4 ACC), and making a bowl game.
Jackson Caudell: I think the Hokies are going to finish 7-5, which is an improvement and will set the stage for bigger things to come. The schedule features some tough road challenges against Maryland, Clemson, SMU, Cal and Miami, and I don't know if I trust the Hokies' roster to navigate all of them. They have a talented quarterback, running back room, and playmakers at the skill positions, but I don't think Virginia Tech will be strong enough on the lines of scrimmage or on defense to make it to Charlotte and the ACC Championship game this season. Franklin will get them there eventually, but II don't think it'll be in 2026.
James Duncan: James Franklin has never posted fewer than six wins in a full season as a head coach, and Year 1 in Blacksburg won't be the exception. I've got the Hokies at 7-5, bowl-bound in the first year of Franklin. The first month is forgiving; the Cal trip is a coin flip I'll give to Tech off last year's double-overtime win in Berkeley, and the finale against Virginia at Lane is where Franklin gets his signature moment in front of an electric crowd. I think that five games keep this from being a special season. I believe Pitt steals one under the lights at Lane, Georgia Tech has too much talent on the roster and road dates at Clemson, SMU and Miami are more than a first-year team can handle. But take those off the board and what's left is a schedule full of games Franklin should win.
Thomas Hughes: I'm sold on the Hokies' first half of the schedule generating four or more wins, though the final six games are far from easy. Virginia Tech should win its first four games against VMI, Old Dominion, Maryland and Boston College, while its next three contests all seem to be near the vein of 50-50 toss-ups (Pitt, California, Georgia Tech). Given that, I think Virginia Tech ends its first six-game slate under Franklin with a 5-1 record, though wins in the latter half of the season will be harder to come by. I think the Hokies will go 3-3 in their last six games and win over Virginia to close the season, ending the regular season with a 8-4 record — their best mark since the 2019 campaign.
Kaden Reinhard: This season has been long-awaited for Hokie fans, whether the 288 days since November 17, 2025, when Franklin was officially announced. Perhaps since the last bowl win over Tulane in 2023, or even a quarter-century back to the 2000 National Championship when Virginia Tech fans appeared to be settling into a string of title game appearances. I think this season, both for the Blacksburg faithful and for Franklin, will provide comfort. The 8-4 record I have pinned on the Hokies, with a possible 9-3 ceiling, will feel like a breath of fresh air under a very balanced offensive scheme that should tear through ACC defenses. With the added solace of retaining a large chunk of his personnel from Penn State, this season should be a very foundational building block to kickstart Franklin’s tenure in Blacksburg.
Virginia Tech's opener against VMI is set for Saturday, Sept. 5 at 7:30 p.m. ET, with viewing available for the contest on the ACC Network.
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THOMAS HUGHES
Hughes serves as Virginia Tech On SI's lead editor, a position he has held since July 2025. He is a sophomore at Virginia Tech, majoring in multimedia journalism with a minor in creative writing. Hughes is also the assistant editor-in-chief for 3304 Sports, as well as an on-air talent for 3304's SportsCenter-style studio show. He is also a staff writer for Steering Wheel Nation, having written pieces on several motorsport series, including Formula 1 and the NTT IndyCar Series.
JACKSON CAUDELL
Jackson Caudell has been a publisher at the On SI network for four years and has extensive knowledge covering college athletics and the NBA. Jackson is also the co-host of the Bleav in Georgia Tech podcast, and he loves to bring thoughtful analysis and comprehensive coverage to everything that he does. Find him on X @jacksoncaudell
JAMES DUNCAN
James Duncan is a senior at Virginia Tech studying Sports Media and Analytics. He is an active member of 3304 Sports, covering Virginia Tech sports, as well as a reporter for The Lead covering the Washington Commanders. James is passionate about delivering detailed, accurate coverage and helping readers connect with the games they love.
KADEN REINHARD
Kaden Reinhard started his sports media career covering sports for his local alma mater, the Floyd County Buffaloes, through Citizens Telephone Coop. Has commentated for football, basketball, baseball, and softball. Began writing 3304 Sports in the Spring of 2025, covering lacrosse and softball. Currently a Junior at Virginia Tech, majoring in sports media and analytics.
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