Recap by student-staff writer Joe McLaughlin

New Haven, CT (9/21/2024) - The Franklin Pierce football team falls to conference rival New Haven 45-34 for their third straight loss of the season. 

RECORDS

• Franklin Pierce: 0-3 (0-1 NE10)
• New Haven: 2-1 (1-0 NE10) 

HOW IT HAPPENED 

• The scoring started early as the Ravens scored on their opening drive. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Adrian Parker (Manchester, CT) connected with junior wide receiver Kameron Massey (East Hartford, CT) for a 42-yard touchdown pass, giving the Ravens a 7-0 lead in the first four minutes of the game. Their lead would be short lived however: Chargers running back Zaon Laney rushed for a 13-yard touchdown to knot the game up at seven. On the Chargers' next drive, they took the lead courtesy of a 5-yard rushing touchdown from Christopher Ais to make it 14-7 Chargers.  

• From there the Chargers took command of the game, extending their lead halfway through the second quarter thanks to a 39-yard touchdown pass from Chargers quarterback Daelen Menard to receiver Joshua Zamot to put the Chargers up 21-7. The Ravens fought back with a rushing touchdown by junior running back Andrew Meleski (Ashland, MA) to put the Ravens within seven. However, the Chargers would go up by two scores again thanks to a 28-yard touchdown reception from receiver Matt Chandler. The Chargers led 28-13.  

• Daelen Menard started the second half getting his third passing touchdown, completing it to receiver Mikey Caines for 56 yards to put the Chargers up 35-13. The Ravens punched back with a passing touchdown to sophomore receiver Joziah Gonzalez for 21 yards.  

• The Ravens would score to start the fourth quarter with another passing touchdown to Kameron Massey to put the Ravens within one score. The Chargers then responded with a 19-yard field goal from Josh Hamel to put the Chargers up 38-27. Running Back Christopher Ais then sealed the game with a 25-yard touchdown before the Ravens completed a 14-yard touchdown pass to freshman receiver Tristan Johnson (Syracuse, NY) to end the game with the Chargers winning 45-34. 

BREAKING DOWN THE NUMBERS  

• The Ravens dominated in the passing game, grabbing 479 yards to the Chargers' 264.  

• The Chargers did more damage on the ground, grabbing 166 rushing yards to the Ravens 31. 

• Both teams threw an interception, but the turnovers once again killed the Ravens as they coughed up 2 fumbles, one of them was lost to the Chargers. 

• Penalties were also an issue for the Ravens as they had 9 for 53 yards while New Haven had 7 for 56 yards. 

UP NEXT FOR THE RAVENS: The Ravens will look to grab their first win of the season next Saturday at home against the Pace Setters. Kickoff will be at 6 PM on September 28th at Sodexo Field.