LANCASTER, Pa. – After another thrilling Centennial Conference victory to remain in a tie for first place atop the conference standings, the Franklin & Marshall football team had two more players honored as players of the week. Oscar Marx (defensive) and Michael Fleming (special team) both received the first player of the week honors of their careers following their performances in the Diplomats' 23-20 victory at Dickinson to keep The Wagon in Lancaster for the fourth time in the past five seasons. The Diplomats have now had multiple player of the week honorees for all three categories: offensive, defensive, and special teams.
Oscar Marx, a starting safety, was big difference maker on the defensive side of the ball as his two turnovers led directly to F&M's two touchdowns. Marx intercepted a pass in the second quarter that led to F&M's first offensive touchdown of the day and a 7-6 lead. He later forced a fumble in the third quarter that led to a touchdown drive that put F&M up 14-13. Marx finished with six tackles (all solo stops) and had two pass break ups during the rivalry win. Marx currently has 19 tackles (16 solo) on the year, including two stops behind the line of scrimmage. He has also broken up five passes during the past two conference victories.
Michael Fleming was a perfect 3-for-3 on field goals - all coming in the fourth quarter - during the win at Dickinson. Fleming's last kick was a 29-yard field goal on the final play from scrimmage. Fleming's final kick was F&M's first game-winning field goal in the final seconds for F&M since 2010 and the 34th in Centennial Conference history. It was the Diplomats' fourth game-winning field goal in the final seconds since joining the CC. Fleming is just the fifth kicker in school history to make at least three field goals in a single game as he totaled 11 points by converting each of his two PATs. In addition to the game-winner, Fleming hit from 22 and 37 yards in the win. He has made six total field goals on the season, with a long of 42 yards, and is a perfect 19-for-19 in extra point attempts.
Sitting at 3-0 in the Centennial Conference, the Diplomats join Johns Hopkins as the only undefeated teams in conference play. Franklin & Marshall will look to keep its momentum rolling this Saturday with another road contest at Ursinus that is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start.
