Football team defeated by Franklin, 41-23

The Olivet College football team suffered a 41-23 loss this evening to Franklin (Ind.) College before an Olivet single-game record 4,910 fans at the Cutler Athletic Complex in Olivet.

On Franklin's third play from scrimmage, Olivet senior Zach Phillips (East Lansing) intercepted Andy Clark's pass at the 43-yard line. The Comets (0-1) scored a touchdown on their first possession on a 46-yard run by senior Travis Sleight (Battle Creek/Lakeview). Senior Justin Hunwick (Sterling Heights/ Stevenson) made the PAT kick for a 7-0 Olivet lead. The Grizzlies (1-1) tied the game at 7-7 as Clark connected with Luis Galeano for a 62-yard touchdown reception.

Olivet regained the lead at 13-7 on its next series. A one-yard touchdown run by Junior Jared Dell (Mendon) capped a seven-play, 66-yard drive with 7:24 left in the first quarter. Franklin took a 14-13 lead when Brian Nay caught a 26-yard pass from Clark.

Two Comet turnovers in the second quarter resulted in two touchdowns and 15 points for the Grizzlies. Following a fumble, Clark hooked up with Danny Sears for a 10-yard touchdown reception. After an interception, Brad Ohanian caught an 88-yard touchdown reception from Clark. Franklin led 29-13 at halftime.

The only scoring in the third quarter was a 24-yard field goal by Hunwick at the 6:01 mark. The Grizzlies scored on their first possession of the fourth quarter when Clark connected with Nay from 21 yards out. Olivet then scored on a six-yard run by Sleight. Hunwick's PAT kick made the score 35-23. Franklin sealed its victory with five-yard touchdown run by Joe Yackey with 1:36 left in the game.

For the game, the Comets outgained the Grizzlies, 518-420, in total offense. Olivet had a balanced attack, gaining 259 yards on the ground and 259 yards through the air. Sleight finished 204 all-purpose yards (122 rushing and 82 receiving) and two touchdowns. Junior Drew Nielsen (Belding) carried the ball 12 times for 72 yards. Junior Marcus Robinson (Albion) completed 14-of-26 passes for 242 yards. Junior Chris Smith (Dimondale/Holt) was the top receiver with five catches for 92 yards.

Defensively, sophomore Marc Miller (Sunfield/Lake Odessa) recorded 12 tackles, including 11 solo stops. Sophomore DeRan Thomas (Detroit/H.W. Notre Dame) had 10 tackles, including a quarterback sack for seven yards.

For Franklin, Clark completed 21-of-38 passes for 299 yards and five touchdowns. He also led the ground game with 13 carries for 42 yards. Ohanian had four catches for 119 yards while Galeano caught four passes for 101 yards. Defensively, Clayton Darlage was credited with 15 tackles.

Olivet travels to play Ohio Wesleyan University next Saturday, Sept. 17. Kickoff from Selby Field is 1 p.m.