Wednesday February 1 was national signing day for high school athletes to sign with their respective colleges and universities and Franklinton High school held a signing activity for three of their athletes who are moving on to play on the next level in their respective sports.
Khaled Waliagha signed with West Point/Army to play football for the Black Knights. Waliagha was a three year starter for the Demons at linebacker and wore the coveted number five as his jersey number given to the top linebacker at FHS. He recorded an amazing 314 tackles in his career, was a first team all district selection in both his junior and senior seasons and was all district defensive MVP in his senior season. He did all this while maintaining a perfect 4.0 grade point average.
The Demons defensive coordinator, Coach Jonathon Barber, made some comments about Khaled and said he had "consistent improvement and a passion for the game."
Khaled spoke about the three athletes signing at the same time and said "It's special that we get to sign together, since we, in a lot of cases have worked out and prepared together."
Jaylin Magee signed with Blue Mountain University in Mississippi for power lifting.
Jaylin was a 2021 USA National powerlifting champion and was an LHSAA regional champion in 2022. He has already taken a first place this season at the Salmen powerlifting meet, exceeding his nearest competitor's lift total by over 500 pounds.
Coach Matt Hughes and Coach PJ Burkhalter spoke about Jaylin. Coach Hughes said he "was mature and passionate" while Coach Burkhalter said that he was a "great leader and example" and he urged all the other athletes in attendance to follow his example.
Will Turner signed with South Arkansas for baseball. Turner has been a four year starter for the Demons and plays various positions, mostly infield and pitching. He was an first team all district selection in his sophomore and junior seasons, with his senior season about to get under way.
Head baseball coach Jeff Tageant spoke about Turner. Of the scholarship opportunity, Tageant said "Its been what he has worked for and has put in the time and is constantly getting better." Coach Tageant also stressed his great grades, and the high grades of all three signees, and stressed the importance of that to all of the other athletes in attendance.
