LANCASTER, Pa. – The Franklin & Marshall football team toppled undefeated Ursinus with a stifling defense on Saturday in a 35-17 final as the College celebrated TrueBlue Weekend. The Diplomats (6-1, 3-1 CC) held the top scoring offense in the Centennial Conference to just three points during the first three quarters in what marked the second straight week they handed a Centennial Conference opponent its first conference loss of the season.
First Quarter (Ursinus 3, Franklin & Marshall 0)
The only points that the Diplomats allowed during the first three quarters of play ultimately felt like a win for F&M. The Bears took over on F&M's 19 yard line after forcing a fumble on the Diplomats' first offensive play from scrimmage. Following two successful pass defenses on goal-to-go, the Bears were forced to settle for a field goal despite taking over in the red zone.
Second Quarter (Franklin & Marshall 7, Ursinus 3)
Franklin & Marshall really found its offensive stride during the second half, but did take the lead into the halftime break as it scored early in the second quarter. Over the course of the 10-play drive, Jadon Prinzivalli ran on five of those plays – including a 21-yard scamper into the red zone. However, he would cover the final 14 yards through the air by finding Matt Eitner for a 14-yard touchdown to put his side up 7-3. Ursinus managed just four first downs the entire first half.
Third Quarter (Franklin & Marshall 21, Ursinus 3)
The Diplomats' defense allowed just three first downs in the third quarter and got a key three-and-out to set up the first scoring drive of the second half. Fresh into the game, Brett Wolski ripped off a 30-yard run on his first touch to put the ball back in the red zone. Two plays later, Prinzivalli found Jack Harrison for his first touchdown. The Diplomats later went up 21-3 after Prinzivalli ran three times for 21 yards before taking the top off the defense on a 59-yard touchdown pass to Harrison.
Fourth Quarter (Franklin & Marshall 35, Ursinus 17)
Ursinus briefly brought the game back to a two-possession difference with a 67-yard touchdown drive early in the fourth quarter, but F&M immediately answered to push the lead to 28-10. Pass completions of 27 and 29 yards to Harrison marked the explosive plays on that drive, but the rest was done on the ground as Louis Paris put the capper on the drive with a two-yard touchdown plunge.
Franklin & Marshall continued to build on its lead by turning the Bears over on downs before driving down the field for their final touchdown. A 33-yard reception from Harrison marked another big play into the red zone before Jayden Richards finished off the touchdown drive on back-to-back carries that covered 15 yards. Ursinus scored its final touchdown with 31 seconds left in regulation, but it did little other than shrink the final margin as the Diplomats ran out the remaining time on their homecoming victory.
Key Players/Stats
Prinzivalli was a very efficient 9-of-13 in the passing game for 210 yards while matching his season high with three touchdown passes. Harrison was the recipient of most off the receiving statistics as he averaged 27.5 yards per catch on six receptions for 165 yards and two touchdowns. Prinzivalli was also the team's leading rusher with 52 net yards. The four running back tandem added 103 yards to the offense which finished with 152 yards on the ground. Wolski and Paris both went over 30 yards, with Paris and Richards adding the two rushing touchdowns.
The defense held Ursinus under 100 yards on the ground for just the second time this season. The Bears did not have much better luck through the air as they completed under 50 percent of their passes, going 22-for-46 on the day. Eleven pass break ups certainly did not make things easier, Rafe Carner had five of those breakups while adding five tackles (four solo). The Diplomats also forced a fumble on Quincy Long's strip sack, while Mikey Sands got to the quarterback on a separate passing play. Kyle Checchio led the defense with seven tackles.
Up Next
Football will close out the month of October with a road trip to McDaniel next Saturday, October 31. Kickoff in Westminster against the Green Terror is scheduled for 1 p.m. The Diplomats' final home game of the regular season will be Saturday, November 7 against Carnegie Mellon.
