Cincinnati, Ohio—For the first time since the year of 2006 the Mount St. Joseph University Football program, defeated the Franklin College Grizzlies at Schueler Field. While the Lions have been able to win the last three meetings between the two programs, this is was the first game hosted at the Mount of the last three dating back to the 2019 season. This game was very competitive in the first half but saw the Lions pull away in the second half to walk away with a 28-14 win.
The Lions opened the game, kicking off to the Grizzlies. On the first play for the Franklin offense, Sophomore Cornerback Andrew Pierce came up with a huge interception, allowing the Lions offense to start their first drive on their own 23-yard line. With the ball and momentum, the Lions put together a 3 play scoring, with Tyler Prather locating Austin Brock for a 23-yard touchdown. On the next Franklin drive, the Lions defense forced a three and out, giving the offense another opportunity to score, on a 14 play drive. Prather was able to spread the ball out to several targets on this drive, capping it off with a four-yard rushing touchdown. This saw the first quarter of play end in a 14-0 Lions lead.
Franklin possessed the ball at the start of the second quarter. Their offense was able to get the ball moving, for their first score of the game. This score was followed by several stops by both defenses. With 4:16 left in the first half, the Grizzlies were able to assemble their second scoring drive of the game, thanks to a huge 65 yard gain through the air. With this score, the Lions went into halftime knotted up 14-14 with Franklin.
After stops by both defenses to start the second half, the Lions offense finally found their footing again. Taking possession of the ball after a failed Franklin field goal the Lions moved the ball downfield with a great passing attack, that saw Chandler Kinhalt on the receiving end of four passes, including an 18-yard strike for a touchdown. On the following Mount drive, they put together another scoring drive, that saw Joey Newton catch a 25-yard touchdown pass that extended the Lions lead to 28-14. This saw the end of the scoring action for both teams on the game, allowing the Lions to earn their second Heartland Conference win and third win of the 2021 season.
This game saw several standout performances. Offensively the Lions were led by Tyler Prather who completed 30 passes for 336 yards and 3 touchdowns, while also running for 43 yards and touchdown on the ground. The offense saw eight receivers register a catch, however, the performances that stood out for the Lions included Newton, Brock and Kinhalt. Newton led the team with 8 catches for 127 yards and a touchdown. Kinhalt added 7 receptions for 75 yards receiving and touchdown. Finally, Brock continued to impress making 5 catches for 64 yards and another touchdown.
Defensively the Lions had a great performance, seeing them force three turnovers. The Senior linebacking core of Julius Fisher and Jonathan Finn both registered double-digit tackles, Finn leading the team with 14 tackles, 3 for a loss, and a sack. Fisher added 11 tackles, 2 for a loss, and a half-sack. Troy Speakman also had a great game adding 11 tackles. The three turnovers were forced by Devon Donawerth and Andrew Pierce. Donawerth came away with two interceptions, with Pierce coming away with the third.
With this win, the Lions improve to (3-2) overall on the season. The Mount will be back in action on Saturday, October 16 against Manchester University at the campus of Mount St. Joseph. For a preview of this upcoming game and all other Mount Athletics continue to follow msjlions.com
