LANCASTER, Pa. – The Franklin & Marshall football team made the most of its only opportunity to play in front of its home crowd during the month of October with a thrilling 28-27 victory over No. 25 Muhlenberg on Saturday afternoon. The nationally-ranked win was the Diplomats' first versus a top 25 opponent since a 20-17 win against Johns Hopkins during the 2019 season. With the victory, F&M (4-1, 2-0 CC) is now just one of two remaining undefeated teams in Centennial Conference after beating the previously unblemished Mules. (4-1, 1-1 CC)

F&M took a 28-21 lead with 11:03 to play in the fourth quarter, but Muhlenberg scored with 38 seconds left in regulation to pull within a single point. A coaching chess match ensued with Muhlenberg switching between a two-point attempt and trying to force overtime with a PAT. Ultimately after both sides took a timeout, the Mules elected to go for two but the attempted pass failed and the Diplomats were able to recover the onside kick before taking a knee to run out the remaining time.

First Quarter (Franklin & Marshall 7, Muhlenberg 0)

Playing its most complete offensive game of the season, the Diplomats marched 83 yards over 14 plays to go up 7-0 before the Mules even touched the ball. Ty Tremba and Gary Lewis continued their special connection with a 24-yard touchdown reception to cap the drive. F&M carried that lead into the second quarter as the Mules gained just 13 yards of offense during eight snaps in the first 15 minutes.

Second Quarter (Franklin & Marshall 7, Muhlenberg 7)

Franklin & Marshall's defense continued to impress with another three-and-out to start the second quarter before a muffed punt put the Mules back on their own three to start their next drive. Nevertheless, the Mules covered that distance with a 12-play drive that was capped by Dante Mahaffey finding John Runfolo for a five-yard touchdown reception. The Diplomats had the ball on Muhlenberg's side of the field with under a minute to play in the second quarter, but three straight passes fell incomplete as the teams remained tied heading into the locker rooms.

Third Quarter (Franklin & Marshall 21, Muhlenberg 14)

Just as F&M did during the first quarter, Muhlenberg took its first possession of the second half for a 64-yard touchdown drive to give the visitors their only lead of the game. Caden Reph hauled in that five-yard go-ahead reception. Trailing for the only time all day, the Diplomats promptly went 75 yards with Hudson Zawadzkas catching a four-yard touchdown which led to the 14-all tie. The defense once again came to the forefront as Matt Wertz intercepted Mahaffey at the 35-yard line. Just three plays later, Tremba found Jack Harrison for a 34-yard touchdown reception which gave F&M the 21-14 advantage.

Fourth Quarter (Franklin & Marshall 28, Muhlenberg 21)

Starting the first of three consecutive scoring drives, Muhlenberg tied the score at 21 with 14:12 remaining in regulation. The score would not remained tied for long as the Diplomats answered with a 65-yard drive of their own to go back on top by a touchdown. Lewis hauled in his second touchdown pass of the day – this one of the 33-yard variety. F&M's defense forced back-to-back three-and-outs and the hosts had a chance to go up by two possessions before a 34-yard field goal attempt went off the right upright.

Muhlenberg looked to be taking advantage of its second life as they covered 80 yards in just 1:43 of playing time before Mahaffey threw his fourth touchdown pass of the day to Wes Hack with 38 seconds left in regulation. The Mules initially lined up for the potential game-tying extra point before they took a timeout to attempt a two-point try. That prompted an F&M timeout and the Mules initially appeared to be running the kicking team back on the field before opting for the two point play which ultimately fell incomplete towards the visiting sideline. Oscar Marx secured the onside kick attempt with his team up 28-27 and it would take just one more kneel down before the Diplomats could officially celebrate the nationally-ranked win.

Key Players/Stats

Starting quarterbacks Tremba and Mahaffey both threw for four touchdowns. Tremba held a 270-227 advantage in passing yards as he completed passes to six different receivers. In addition to Lewis' two touchdown receptions – giving him 32 for his career which is just three short of tying the school's career record – Lewis had a game-high 128 yard receiving. After the biggest receiving game of his career last week, Zawadzkas backed up that performance with a career-high eight receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown. For the first time all season, the Diplomats rushed for 100 yards as a team. In addition to 36 yards in the receiving game, Louis Paris got his first career start at running back and the first-year ran 16 times for 57 yards. Tremba added 54 yards rushing to his passing totals as the Diplomats finished with a 391-347 advantage in total yards.

Chris Albero and Austin Hadley led the strong defensive effort with nine tackles each. Both players also had one pass breakup. Kyle Cecchio made seven stops to become part of a unit that saw seven different players finish with at least five tackles. F&M made seven tackles behind the line of scrimmage, including a solo sack from Sam Keenan and combined sack from LT Kelley and Cecchio. The Diplomats additionally broke up nine passes in coverage, featuring a game-high three deflections from Marx.

Up Next

Joining Johns Hopkins as the only other undefeated team in Centennial Conference play, Franklin & Marshall closes out the month of October with back-to-back road games. Up next will be the Battle for the Wagon when F&M makes the trip to Carlisle next Saturday for a 1 p.m. kickoff against rival Dickinson.