LANCASTER, Pa. – The Conestoga Wagon Tophy is staying with Franklin & Marshall after the Diplomats held visiting Dickinson to just a single score during a 17-7 win inside Shadek Stadium. The Red Devils brought the top rushing offense in the league into the contest, but were held without a rushing touchdown for the first time this season as they were handed their first loss against a Division III opponent this season.
Another highlight over the rivalry showdown was Michael Fleming drilling a 51-yard field goal to become the third player in program history to record a field goal of at least 50 yards. His spot was just one yard shy of the school record 52-yard field goal set by Mark Slevin against Swarthmore during the 1983 season.
First Quarter (Franklin & Marshall 0, Dickinson 0)
The Diplomats set the defensive tone right from the opening whistle as they allowed just 33 yards of offense to Dickinson during the first quarter, including a pair of three-and-outs while allowing just one first down. F&M threatened on its second possession when it got to the Dickinson 30 before that drive stalled out just beyond the red zone.
Second Quarter (Franklin & Marshall 14, Dickinson 0)
After being held without a touchdown in the first quarter for the first time this season, the Diplomats wasted little time taking the lead in the second. Jadon Prinzivalli found Jack Harrison for a 43-yard reception in what was the most explosive play for either team. Just one play later, Anthony Valdez found space around the right side and was able to sneak in before the pylon on a nine-yard touchdown run to put the hosts up 7-0 after Fleming's PAT. F&M had its longest sustained drive of the game to go up 14-0, covering 82 yards over 12 plays before Louis Paris bullied his way through the line on a two-yard touchdown. Dickinson marched into F&M territory twice during the second quarter, but was turned over on downs before the Diplomats' second touchdown. The Red Devils later missed a field goal from 32 yards at the end of the first half.
Third Quarter (Franklin & Marshall 17, Dickinson 7)
Franklin & Marshall's defense continued to stymie the Red Devils for the majority of the third quarter, but Dickinson connected on a 39-yard touchdown pass during its first drive of the second half to cut the lead in half at 14-7. Playing in tough wind, Prinzivalli was effective with both his arms and legs. He found Max Oliveri on a third down play for 18 yards and then scrambled for 13 more on the ground to eventually set up Fleming's 51-yard field.
Fourth Quarter (Franklin & Marshall 17, Dickinson 7)
With a 10 point lead, the Diplomats held the ball for over 10 minutes during the final quarter and finished the contest with nearly 36 minutes in time of possession. F&M threatened to go up by three scores when it drove to the Red Devils' five before a key fourth down stop kept the game in the balance. However, two big defense turnovers would ultimately ensure the home crowd went home happy. Connor Hille came up with a forced fumble and fumble recovery just past midfield midway through the final quarter. Kyle Checchio put the final touches on the defensive masterpiece as he picked off a pass at F&M's own 26 yard line with under two minutes to play before the Diplomats celebrated in the victory formation.
Key Players/Stats
With the three kneel downs to close the game, Dickinson finished with a slight 348-340 advantage in total yards. Prinzivalli was an efficient 10-for-17 passing despite windy conditions as he threw for 134 yards. Bolstered by the 43-yard reception, Harrison led the team with five catches for 70 yards. Prinzivalli was also the leading rusher as he netted 82 yards on the ground. Valdez and Paris finished with 80 and 50 yards rushing, respectively, while scoring the two rushing touchdowns in the winning effort.
Franklin & Marshall's defense held Dickinson to just 3-of-11 on third down conversions while the Red Devils came up with no points on their only two trips to the red zone during the second quarter. Highlighted by their two big turnovers, Hille and Checchio led the defensive efforts with seven tackles each.
Up Next
Dickinson entered the week as one of three remaining undefeated teams in Centennial Conference play. F&M will have another chance at an undefeated squad next week when it hosts Ursinus on Saturday, October 24 in a 1 p.m. kickoff. That game will also be a part of the College's TrueBlue Weekend festivities going on during a busy time throughout campus.
