FRANKLIN, Ind. – The Franklin College football team faced two battles in their week 10 matchup on Saturday afternoon. The Grizzlies hosted unbeaten #22-ranked Mount St. Joseph University on a day that saw wind gusts in the 40s at Faught Stadium.
 
The Grizzlies (4-5, 4-2 HCAC) threw everything they had at the Lions (9-0, 6-0 HCAC) on Saturday afternoon and put a scare into the team at the top of the league. But a late MSJ touchdown proved critical and the Grizzlies' final drive of the day stalled out, allowing the Lions to avoid the upset and win 27-20.
 
How it Happened
Franklin struck late in the first quarter with Derek Baldin connecting on a 40-yard field goal for the ice-breaker, capping a 10-play drive. Baldin connected on his second field goal of the day with 54 seconds to go in the period, knotting things up at 6-6. That was all the offense the Griz would muster in the first half, and they trailed 13-6 after 30 minutes of play.
 
The Grizzlies set up their first touchdown of the day early in the third quarter with the special teams playing a role. Shay McRath blocked a 39-yard field goal and the Grizzlies turned it into a 10-play, 63-yard drive that was capped with a two-yard touchdown run from Cam Johnson.
 
The Lions answered with another touchdown but Franklin would get back to even early in the fourth quarter when Johnson punched it in from two-yards out to tie the game at 20 with 9:38 to play. Once again the Lions responded with a score and Franklin took the ball back with 6:22 to go. The Grizzlies marched into MSJ territory before their drive came to an end at the Lion 32.
 
Inside the Box Score
-The Grizzlies held the ball for 37:09 and had 21 first downs to 15 for the Lions.
-Franklin limited MSJ quarterback Josh Taylor to 8-for-22 with one interception through the air.
-The ground game proved to be the deciding factor, with the Lions rushing for 368 yards to 143 for the home team.
-Kai Ross went 13-for-31 for 141 yards through the air.
-Garrett Cora topped the Grizzlies with 85 yards on the ground with Kam Jennings adding 47 yards on 10 touches.
-Jarrett Gibson led all players with six grabs for 76 yards.
-Dylan Boswell punted seven times for 281 yards and boomed a season-high 68-yarder.
-Beau Hess led the Grizzlies with six tackles.
-McRath and Isaac Lawrence were both credited with a sack.
 
Up Next
Franklin closes out the season next Saturday (Nov. 12) afternoon, hosting the Hanover Panthers for 92^nd Victory Bell Game and Senior Day. Kick-off from Faught Stadium is set for 1:30 p.m. with the senior day ceremonies set for pre-game.