Brutal beginning: Franklin can’t hang with national power Mount Union
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Franklin College football coach Mike Leonard watches his team during a second quarter downpour Saturday, Sept. 1, 2012, at Franklin College in Franklin, Indiana. The Grizzly's lost 45-7 to The University of Mount Union. STAFF PHOTO BY SCOTT ROBERSON/sroberson@dailyjournal.net
Franklin junior linebacker Scott Moore tackles mount Union receiver Chris Denton during a 45-7 loss Saturday, Sept. 1, 2012, at Franklin College in Franklin, Indiana. STAFF PHOTO BY SCOTT ROBERSON/sroberson@dailyjournal.net
Perennial football powerhouse Mount Union lived up to its national reputation by delivering a season-opening 45-7 win against host Franklin College before a capacity crowd on Saturday.
A 10-time NCAA Division III national champion, the Purple Raiders capitalized early on Franklin miscues and marched to a 24-0 halftime advantage.
Although the No. 13 Grizzlies elevated an air of excitement in their opening series by recording a first down on a quarterback sneak, Mount Union unleashed its offensive game with 5:10 left in the first quarter when T.J. Lattimore completed a 6-play, 54-yard drive with a 2-yard rushing touchdown.
Less than two minutes later, Chris Denton scored, racing 65 yards on a punt return. He added a second touchdown on a punt return, this one for 62 yards in the fourth quarter.
With the win, the second-ranked Purple Raiders joined college football’s 700-win club and became the 21st program overall and second Division III team to post 700 victories.
“We know we’ve got a long way to go,” said 10th-year Grizzlies coach Mike Leonard.
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