HOLLAND, Mich. – The Franklin College football team hit the road for week two on Saturday (Sept. 14) afternoon, taking on Hope College.
 
The Grizzlies (0-2) struggled to get going all afternoon, dropping their matchup to the Flying Dutchmen (2-0) by a 48-6 count.
 
Franklin got their lone score of the day early in the second quarter with Owen Wright hauling in an 18-yard touchdown pass from Marshall Kmiecik to cut the Hope lead down to 20-6 and cap a five-play, 30-yard drive. But the Grizzlies couldn't build on the score, and the hosts were able to put the game out of reach into the second half.
 
Kmiecik made his first career start under center, going 8-for-16 for 103 yards with a touchdown and an interception through the air. Kmiecik was also the team's leading rusher with 36 yards on 14 attempts, as five Franklin runners combined for 119 yards on the ground.
 
Wright led the receiving group with four catches for 70 yards. DeMarion Newell led the Grizzlies in tackling for the second straight week, making seven stops.
 
Up Next
The Grizzlies make their 2024 home debut next Saturday (Sept. 21), hosting Adrian College on Salute to Service Day at Faught Stadium. Kick-off is set for 1:30 p.m.