Franklin, Ind—Following a long week of preparation the Mount St. Joseph University Football program took to the road, to visit HCAC foe Franklin College. This game saw the Lions capture their first win of the spring season in impressive fashion, as the team came home victorious 56-19.
The Grizzlies of Franklin College received the ball to start the game, putting together a 6 play 74 yard scoring drive to take an early 7-0 lead, this was the Grizzlies lone score of the half. The Lions were able to answer back on their first drive of the game, driving the ball 62 yards in 5 plays, capped off by a 23 yard Joey Newton touchdown catch from Josh Taylor. This score was the start of a 49-0 run for the Mount. After another 3 and out Taylor led the Lions downfield on a 12 play 82 yard drive, in which he found the end zone on the ground for the first time on the game. The Lions also got an interception from Freshman Austin Price late in the first half giving the offense solid field position to punch in a final touchdown in the first half. This drive was 4 plays 8 yards capped off by a Taylor touchdown toss to Chandler Kinhalt. Going into the half the Lions led the Grizzlies 35-7.
Starting the third quarter the Lions put together an all around impressive scoring drive that lasted 13 plays and 59 yards, capped off by another Taylor touchdown run. This drive saw the Lions put multiple parts of their offense on display, including a 11 yard reception to Freshman wide-out Cam York on crucial 3rd down allowing the drive to stay alive. Following yet another 3 and out by the Lions defense, the offense quickly found the end-zone extending their massive lead. In the forth the Lions were able to put together their final scoring drive of the evening when Josh Taylor scrambled for a 33 yard touchdown extending the Lions lead to 56-19.
The Mount Offense posted a huge statistical game, rushing for 355 yards for an average of 7.1 yards per carry and 6 total rushing touchdowns. The passing game was also stellar, as the two Lions quarterbacks threw for a combined 222 yards and 2 touchdowns. The standout performance for the Lions came from quarterback Josh Taylor, who was accountable for 7 touchdowns. Taylor totaled 167 yards through the air and ran for 225 yards and 5 touchdowns. Kinhalt was the leading receiver for the Lions, totaling 8 catches for 95 yards and a touchdown.
On the defensive side of the ball the Lions were able to shutdown Franklin for the majority of the game, including a 5 sack performance for the unit. Jonathan Finn led the team in total tackles with 9, while also adding a sack to his impressive day. Senior Linebacker Julius Fisher was all over the field as he was able to make 8 tackles for the Lions along with a huge sack. Defensive Lineman Noah Hammond was able to rack up 1.5 sacks along with 2.5 tackles for a loss helping shutdown any hopes of a Grizzlies passing attack.
The Lions will be back in action Saturday, March 27. This game will see the Lions play host to Defiance College. Kickoff is set for 1:30 PM at Schueler Field. For a preview of the upcoming game, as well as continued coverage of all Mount athletics continue to follow msjlions.com
