It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Coach Al Francis. Al Francis took over the helm of the Stockbridge High School football team in 1974 from Jack Prince. He coached the team through the 1995 season. 21 years in total.
Francis was a friend, mentor and leader in his community. He was known as a fierce coach, kind teacher and a great role model to youth. Many also revered him for his playing days at the University of Michigan on the football team there.
Bo Schembechler was still steering the program during Francis’ time in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Wolverines averaged 270 yards on the ground offensively and only allowed 304 yards per game during his senior season.
Francis even got to start in the Rose Bowl his final year at UM:
“The only other middle guard on the Michigan Rose Bowl roster is Al Francis, 5-10, 200-pound senior who is a member of the kick-off team and is known for his hard tackling,” wrote the Ann Arbor News
Francis graduated with the class of 1969 from the University of Michigan. The Wolverines finished that season ranked no. 9 in the poll. They posted an overall record of 8-3.
Schembechler coached for 27 Years. During that time he posted an overall record of 234-65-8. It was good for a .77% winning percentage. Bo was mostly known for his winning ways and attitude towards players. Something Francis carried with him to the home of the Panthers.
Al Francis was the head coach in Stockbridge, Michigan for 21 years all told. During his time at the helm the Panthers won 92 total games.
Part of those 92 games was an incredible 9-0 season in 1978, when Stockbridge outscored their opponents a combined 152-17. Every game but two were won by a touchdown or less. They also shutout two of their opponents.
Terrible news out of my hometown Stockbridge, Michigan. Longtime #Panthers @Bridge_FB Coach Al Francis has passed. Francis was a SR on the '69 #Michigan football team#Stockbridge #MHSAA #GoBlue @UMGoBlog @MHSAA @StockbridgeMI 📸 via Wikipedia and bentley.umich pic.twitter.com/p4tA5zeJqV
— Gabriel Schray (@schrayguy) March 20, 2020
Al, a longtime teacher in the Stockbridge Community School District, would return as the defensive coordinator for Head Coach Karl Heidrich. Heidrich served as coach from 2000-2001.
Francis did not depart with Heidrich, but instead stayed on staff as the defensive coordinator under current Head Coach, Jeremy Killinger, from 2002-2010.
In 2010 Francis retired from coaching. He enjoyed his retirement until he passed away on March 19th of 2020.
This article is comprised of information and media from the AP, University of Michigan archives, and Stockbridge Panthers on Facebook. For more sports, news and entertainment, follow us on Twitter @MWSNsports or like our page on Facebook.
