<p>The graduation of an all-state wideout took away 40 percent of last season’s receiving production from the Franklin football team.</p>
<p>Where some noticed a void, Christian McClure saw opportunity.</p>
<p>The senior has emerged as quarterback Drew Byerly’s go-to target, with McClure’s 38 receptions thus far more than doubling his output of a year ago. His 657 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns are major factors in the Grizzly Cubs’ 8-2 record and No. 9 ranking in Class 5A.</p>[sc:text-divider text-divider-title="Story continues below gallery" ]
<p>Not bad for a former eighth-grade backup running back who chose not to play football as a freshman and sophomore.</p>
<p>After two receptions in this season’s opener against Danville, McClure grabbed a total of 22 Byerly aerials, 10 resulting in touchdowns, over the next five weeks.</p>
<p>“I felt a lot more comfortable with the scheme and was more confident with my ability,” McClure said. “I had to replace (Indiana All-Star) Cory Richards, and that was a big spot for us to fill. I feel like I have a good connection with Drew, which really helps with timing and understanding what the other wants.</p>
<p>“It’s a combination of being fast and understanding what we need to do to win.”</p>
<p>The 5-foot-11, 170-pounder has also helped the Grizzly Cubs on kickoff and punt returns. McClure’s versatility on the gridiron is drawing notice from small-college football programs such as St. Francis, Marian, Indiana Wesleyan, Hanover and Wabash.</p>
<p>McClure maintains a 3.7 grade-point average and would like to major in biology.</p>
<p>The Grizzly Cubs have already won eight games for the first time since 1981. A victory at unbeaten and top-ranked New Palestine on Friday would tie the school record set by the 1969 Franklin club, which finished a spotless 9-0. It would also mark just the second sectional championship for the program, with the other coming in 1984.</p>
<p>If coach Chris Coll’s team is to continue what’s been a memorable 10 weeks so far, the Byerly-McClure combination must continue to click.</p>
<p>“Last year was Christian’s first year with us, and he showed great potential and the ability to make plays,” Coll said. “He’s good going down the field who can split people working down the middle and is a good route runner. Just a good overall receiver.”</p>[sc:pullout-title pullout-title="If you go" ][sc:pullout-text-begin]<p><p><strong>Friday’s sectional finals</strong></p>
<p><strong>Class 6A</strong></p>
<p>Franklin Central at Center Grove, 7 p.m.</p>
<p><strong>Class 5A</strong></p>
<p>Franklin at New Palestine, 7 p.m.</p>
<p><strong>Class 4A</strong></p>
<p>Lebanon at Roncalli, 7 p.m.</p>[sc:pullout-text-end]
