AURORA, Ill – The Franklin College football team hit the road for week two of the regular season, heading to Spartan Stadium to take on the Aurora Spartans.
 
The Grizzlies (0-2) struggled from the outset, falling behind the Spartans (1-1) early and dropping a 49-16 decision to the home side.
 
Down by two scores early in the second quarter, Franklin marched 70 yards in eight plays over 2:13 to get on the board with a 10-yard Garrett Cora touchdown run. Derek Baldin cut the Aurora lead to 14-10 with a 22-yard field goal midway through the second quarter, but Franklin would only manage two more Baldin field goals the rest of the way.
 
Inside the Box Score
-The Grizzlies totaled 260 yard on offense, with sophomore quarterback Kai Ross going 21-for-35 for 207 yards through the air.
-Senior Jarrett Gibson was targeted 14 times, hauling in nine passes for 108 yards to lead all players in both categories. Gibson's 228 all-purpose yards also led all players.
-Baldin's three field goals totaled 18, 22 and 34 yards, respectively. It marked the first time in his career he totaled multiple field goals in a game.
-Senior Kody Wilkerson led all players with eight tackles, picking up six solo stops.
-Jireh Ojata and Royce Lofton both recorded quarterback sacks for the Grizzlies.
 
Up Next
The Grizzlies will play in front of their home crowd for the first time next Saturday (Sept. 17), hosting the Trine Thunder for the final non-conference game and Salute to Service Day.
 
Kick-off from Faught Stadium is set for 1:30 p.m.