Recap by student-staff writer Joe Mclaughlin 

Rindge, N.H. (9/14/24) - The Franklin Pierce Football Team's home opener at Sodexo Field is spoiled by the Assumption Greyhounds after a 27-7 defeat.  

Score: Franklin Pierce 7, Assumption 27. 
Records: Franklin Pierce 0-2 (0-1 NE10), Assumption 1-1 (1-0 NE10) 
Location: Sodexo Field, Franklin Pierce University, Rindge, NH. 
Date: September 14th, 2024. 

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

• The Ravens started the first quarter with the ball. Their opening drive was promising, with redshirt sophomore quarterback Adrian Parker (Manchester, CT) dishing out quick passes to sophomore wide receiver Joziah Gonzalez (Meridan, CT) and junior wide receiver Jahmir Dixon (Philadelphia, PA) to march fifty yards down the field before coughing up a fumble recovered by Greyhounds cornerback Shakeer McPherson.  

• After that, the Ravens' offense stalled out and the Greyhounds took over. Halfway through the opening quarter, Assumption opened the scoring with a 59-yard drive down field, capped by a 3-yard touchdown run by Jamar Ballad Jr to put the Hounds up 7-0. From there the Greyhounds added on to their lead. After a great defensive stop by the Ravens, Assumption kicker Massimo Sgambati drilled a 38-yard field goal down the middle of the uprights to put the Greyhounds ahead 10-0 to close the first quarter.  

• In the second quarter, the Assumption Greyhounds' defense pestered Adrian Parker and the Ravens' offense with continuous pressure. That pressure resulted in Parker throwing an interception right into the hands of Greyhounds safety Dion Kuinlan. The turnover sparked a 72-yard drive by the Greyhounds and a score from Assumption tight end Ethan Friberg for 26 yards. It was also his first collegiate touchdown, and it put the Greyhounds up 17-0 at the half. 

• The third quarter was a battle between both defenses as neither team could score any points. The Ravens defense, led by senior defensive edge Chris Yaboah (Worcester, MA), put pressure on Assumption quarterback Jay Kastantin, with Yaboah sacking him for a huge loss.  

• These efforts sparked a solid drive at the end of the third quarter for the Ravens, who scored on the very first play of the fourth quarter. Adrian Parker hit redshirt sophomore wide receiver Austyn Howe (New Haven, CT) for a 29-yard touchdown pass to put the Ravens on the board. However, this effort was not enough as the Greyhounds would seal the 27-7 win with another Massimo Sgambati field goal and a touchdown run from running back Kameron Robbins.  

BREAKING DOWN THE NUMBERS: 

• The biggest problem for the Ravens was penalties. They committed 13 penalties for 131 yards compared to Assumption's 5 penalties for 39 yards. This greatly helped the Greyhounds gain momentum and put them in positions to score. 

• Both teams were fairly even in total offense. The Ravens had 284 yards of total offense and the Greyhounds had 251. The Ravens dominated in the air, having 203 passing yards to Assumption's 97. However, they were outdone in the running game as the Greyhounds posted 153 rushing yards to the Ravens 81.  

• Turnovers also killed chances for the Ravens. They had 2 fumbles, 1 was lost and an interception. The Greyhounds did not have any turnovers. 

UP NEXT FOR THE RAVENS:

The loss to the Greyhounds was a tough pill to swallow. After a great debut performance at Bryant, the uncharacteristic mental mistakes have put the Ravens behind in the conference. Their next game will be a tough task against the reigning NE10 Champions, the New Haven Chargers in New Haven. Kickoff for that game will be on September 21st at 7:00 pm at Ralph F. DellaCamera Stadium in New Haven, CT.