By KEN HAMWEY, 

Staff Sports Writer

Jacob Jette and Chris Goode have so much in common it’s almost like they should be twins.

Both are Franklin High student-athletes who play baseball, they’re senior captains and both will be on scholarships competing for Division 1 colleges next spring. They also have played club baseball for the same length of time (six years). On the academic side, they mirror one another. Both are honor students who’ll be majoring in business administration — Jette at UMass-Lowell and Goode at Merrimack.

Another similarity involves their futures. Both will face one another in college, because UMass-Lowell and Merrimack are annual opponents.

Franklin coach Zach Brown is quick to laud the tandem for their outstanding play last year that helped the Panthers not only qualify for tourney play, but also get to the sectional final. Jette is a left-handed pitcher and Goode plays left field

“Jacob went 6-1 during the regular season and had an earned-run average of 1.67,’’ Brown said. “He also struck out 54 hitters and walked only 16 in 38 innings. The moment is never too big for Jacob. He’s confident and poised. Able to also play the outfield or pinch hit, he’s outstanding on defense.’’

Goode also gets high praise.

“Chris is one of the hardest workers in our program,’’ Brown offered. “He hit .426, knocked in 11 runs and stole nine bases. He’s a contact hitter who can also hit for power. Exceptional on defense, Chris is a dynamic player who runs well and is always working on his swing.’’

At Local Town Pages deadline, the Panthers had a 3-2 record.

Following is a profile of both players who discuss their goals, their futures and their time at Franklin High.

JACOB JETTE

A native of Franklin, the 6-foot, 165-pound Jette isn’t bashful about setting lofty goals.

“My team goals are to win the Kelley-Rex title and the State championship,’’ he emphasized. “Both are realistic because we’ve got a majority of veteran players back, losing only six seniors to graduation. We’re a talented squad that’s got experience and depth.’’

Jette’s individual goal isn’t about surpassing last year’s dynamic statistics. It’s about improvement. “Getting better and improving on a daily basis is my main objective,’’ he noted. “If I achieve that, then I’ll match or exceed last year’s numbers.’’

The 18-year-old Jette has a plethora of strengths that should make his final year a success. He’s got excellent control, throws an 85-mph fastball to go with a curve and change-up, has a high baseball IQ, is athletic and mentally tough. “I rely on a strong work ethic,’’ he said. “And, mental toughness helps me to be resilient.’’

Jette’s passion for pitching is linked to his competitive nature. “I like to control the pace of a game and every at-bat is an individual battle within the game itself,’’ he offered. “Pitching also creates different approaches. I can be aggressive, patient or analytical.’’

A captain who leads by example and by being supportive of his teammates, Jette admires playing for a motivating coach and he’s also a fan of a junior pitcher.

“Coach Brown is a great motivator who knows the game and cares about his players,’’ said Jette. “He’s a role model on and off the field. Alfred Mucciarone, who’ll also be attending UMass-Lowell, had only one loss last year. His control is excellent, he’s smart, articulate and has a high baseball IQ.’’

 Left-hander Jacob Jette posted a 6-1 record and had and earned-run average of 1.67 last year.

Jette’s best game last year came in the playoffs against Boston College High in the Division 1 South Sectional semifinals. Franklin won, 2-1. “I pitched a complete game, struck out 12 and walked three,’’ Jette recalled. “I handled the pressure okay and that win built confidence. Unfortunately, we lost in the final to Xaverian.’’

Acutely aware that the transition to Division 1 college baseball can be challenging, Jette knows what’s needed to succeed.

“One key will be to improve my change-up,’’ he said. “That’s a must to compete against Division 1 hitters. It’s important to keep them guessing and to keep them off-stride. I’ll also need to improve my strength and conditioning. My work ethic is good, but it has to go to another level because all the players I face likely would have been high school all-stars.’’

As Jette’s final days at Franklin get closer to the finish line, he knows the days ahead will have some emotion.

“One chapter of my life will be ending and a new one will be starting,’’ he said. “It’s a bittersweet time. I’ve loved Franklin High and I’ve had great teammates and coaches. It’s been awesome but I’m excited for the future. I’m really looking forward to academics and playing baseball at UMass-Lowell.’’

CHRIS GOODE

Also a native of Franklin, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound Goode is optimistic the Panthers can win a State title.

“We’ve got the right lineup and our new players are not only talented, but also will contribute a lot,’’ he said. “We’ve also got a coach who led the program to a state title a few years ago. Coach Brown puts players in the right positions, and he’s a calming influence.’’

As for individual goals, the 18-year-old Goode says he’d like “to become a Hockomock League all-star, improve every day and hit for more power.’’

Relying on a relentless work ethic, Goode has all the attributes that make him a key cog in the Panthers’ lineup. 

“I’ve got speed and I’m athletic,’’ he indicated, “and I’d like to think I have a high baseball IQ. I’m also resilient, able to bounce back after a poor at-bat or a loss. I’m aggressive in the outfield, willing to take chances and not afraid to charge the ball. Playing the outfield is fun because I can use my speed to chase down a fly ball or a line drive. And, I’ve got a strong arm that helps me to nail a runner trying to advance.’’

At the plate, Goode can be patient and make the pitcher work hard. “I’m more aggressive this year, always looking to swing at the first pitch if it’s near the plate,’’ he said. “I love going for a first-pitch fastball.’’

Goode is a hard-nosed competitor. Injured in pre-season last year, he started the first 10 games as a designated-hitter after hurting his shoulder. “I didn’t play left field during those games, but I was able to swing a bat,’’ he said.

Calling last year’s 5-4 tourney loss to Xaverian in the tourney as his most memorable game, Goode excelled on what he labeled “the big stage.’’

“I got three hits and turned in two good defensive plays,’’ he recalled. “It was an experience I’ll never forget. The competition was good — two evenly matched teams. The pressure was on with a big crowd on hand but neither team felt pressured.’’

A fan of Brown, Goode also admires two teammates he believes will be major contributors.

“Coach Brown is a motivator who has a tremendous connection with his players.’’ Goode noted. “And, our other captain, Jack Marino, is a smooth second baseman. An exceptional fielder, he’s also a solid contact hitter. Another key is our sophomore shortstop, Henry DiGiorgio. He started as a freshman, making the leap to varsity ball seem easy. He’s an amazing fielder who’s still adjusting to high school pitching.’’

Goode knows his adjustment to college baseball will be smooth as long as he checks several boxes. “I have to keep getting stronger,’’ he emphasized. “Also, I need to develop more power at the plate. My work ethic is strong but to play Division 1 ball means elevating one’s hard work.’’

Goode, like Jette, didn’t play baseball as a sophomore because the 2020 spring sports season was canceled due to the pandemic. He’s eager to make his final season at Franklin memorable.

“The last four years have gone by quickly,’’ he said. “Soon, I’ll no longer be wearing a Franklin uniform. I’ve had a great time at FHS and the ending will be bittersweet. However, I’m excited about my future at Merrimack. When I’m a freshman there, three former Franklin players will be seniors — Alex Haba, Jack Macchi and Scott Elliott. I hope to have success at that level.’’