Game Notes
Franklin, Ind. - The Franklin College football program doesn't back away from challenges, hosting No. 11-ranked Thomas More College in this year's season opener on Saturday, September 3, at 6 p.m. at Faught Stadium.
The season-opening opponents have been among the Midwest's most successful NCAA Division III programs in recent years, are coming off 2015 seasons in which they were undefeated conference championships, and played in the Division III playoffs. Both teams received votes in the D3football.com preseason poll.
Franklin was selected the preseason favorite to repeat as Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference's (HCAC) champions, in a vote of league coaches. The program has won six straight conference titles, advanced to the playoffs in eight of the last nine seasons, and posted an 86-25 record since the 2006 season.
Junior quarterback Chase Burton was named the HCAC's 2015 Offensive Most Valuable Player after throwing for 3,850 yards (ranking No. 2 nationally), averaged 362.7 yards in total offense per game (No. 3), and threw for 36 touchdowns (No. 5) in his first season as Franklin's starting quarterback. He also rushed for a team-high eight touchdowns.
Senior running back Ty'Ronte Files earned first-team all-conference accolades for a 2015 season in which he averaged 6.5 yards per carry, scored seven touchdowns, and caught 28 receptions.
Junior wingback Lee Wroblewski caught a team-best 11 touchdowns last fall. He ranked second on the team with 56 catches for 850 yards.
Defensively, the Grizzlies return seven starters from last season's 8-3 squad. Senior linebacker Austin Day ranked second on the team with 54 tackles. Senior defensive back Zay Thornton registered 45 tackles. Senior defensive back Taylor Christensen and junior defensive back Ryan Conner each tied for team-high honors with three interceptions.
Senior defensive lineman Devante Ash earned All-HCAC honors in 2015 after making 36 tackles during his first season as a starter.
Thomas More, preseason pick to repeat as Presidents Athletic Conference champions, posted an 11-1 record last fall. The Saints have posted a 74-14 record over the last eight seasons and played in the Division III playoffs five times.
Both programs met in the first round of the 2011 playoffs, with the Grizzlies being victorious 24-21 at Faught Stadium.
Saturday will be Franklin's third-ever night game at Faught Stadium, with the first contest coming during the 2013 season against Butler University.
Live video and statistics of the season opener will be available. In-game updates will also be available on Twitter (@FCAthletics). Like the Grizzlies on Facebook (www.facebook.com/FranklinCollegeAthletics).
