Memo to the U.S. Postmaster: There will be no address change for the coveted Victory Bell.
With a 38-21 Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference win against archrival Hanover on Saturday, the Franklin College football team will retain the bell — just as it has for the past 12 years.
The Grizzlies’ high-powered aerial attack proved to be too much for the Panthers, as it has for all HCAC schools this season.
Franklin (8-2, 7-1) finishes in a tie for first place in the league; however, Rose-Hulman, with a one-point victory against Franklin earlier this season, owns the tiebreaker and will receive an automatic berth in the NCAA Division III national playoffs.
The Grizzlies’ hopes for an at-large bid were dashed during the playoff selection show Sunday evening.
The reigning HCAC offensive player of the year, junior quarterback Chase Burton, completed 34 of 48 pass attempts for 532 yards and five touchdowns.
Brad Bonomini had nine catches on the day for 133 yards, while Deontez Alexander caught eight for 138 yards. Junior Tanner Wroblewski finished with seven receptions for 106 yards.
One of the outgoing seniors, Devante Ash, was emotionally shaken after the game.
“It’s been such a pleasure being a part of something so special and being around great people,” he said. “You feel loved with this group and everyone wants to see you succeed. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Franklin coach Mike Leonard offered his praise for his 21 seniors, who over the past four years have been a part of three HCAC championships and participated in four NCAA Division III national playoff games.
