Mike Owens has stepped down as Westerville North High School football coach to take over at Franklin Heights, ThisWeekSPORTS.com has learned.

After leading Mechanicsburg to an 11-2 record in 2006, Owens served as an assistant for two seasons at Hilliard Darby. In 2007, with Owens as offensive coordinator, the Panthers finished 11-2.

Owens then took over as North’s coach in March 2009 after Chad Williams led the Warriors to a 24-40 mark in six seasons.

Under Owens, the Warriors went 0-30 in three seasons. Their last victory came Sept. 19, 2008, when they defeated Westerville Central 21-17. North has lost 35 consecutive games.

Owens will take over a Falcons team that went 0-10 and 1-9, respectively, the last two seasons under former coach Rodney Hopkins.

Franklin Heights beat Central Crossing 10-7 on Sept. 9 for its only win last fall.

The Westerville school district has placed a five-year levy on the March 6 ballot and could cut all extra-curricular activities if it doesn’t pass.

“I officially got board approved (as Falcons coach Feb. 13),” Owens said. “I’m looking forward to it. There’s so much uncertainty with the levy, so I wanted to apply at some other schools. Franklin Heights was actually the only one I did apply to, and I’m hoping to have a chance to teach. I’m certified in (physical education) and health.

“The biggest thing that I like is that there’s a middle school that feeds into Franklin Heights. I’m able to build from the middle school on up.”

Franklin Heights’ last non-losing season came in 2008, when it went 5-5. Westerville North’s last non-losing season was 2005, when it finished 5-5.