<p>Junior quarterback Braden Smith knows there are certain expectations when holding the reins to Franklin College’s proud tradition of potent passing attacks.</p>
<p>“There’s a lot of outside pressure but I try not to think about that,” Smith said. “I play my game, trust in God, trust in my teammates, trust in my coaches and not worry about anything like that.”</p>
<p>If Saturday night’s season opener is any indication, Smith and the host Grizzlies are going to be just fine. The 6-foot-6 Smith completed 26 of 35 passes for 348 yards and four touchdowns in a 55-38 nonconference victory over Benedictine (Illinois).</p>
<p>Smith left after three quarters with Franklin College leading 55-17.</p>[sc:text-divider text-divider-title="Story continues below gallery" ]Click here to purchase photos from this gallery
<p>“I owe it to my O-line; they gave me time,” Smith said. “I think I only got hit once or twice really and my receivers got open. There was a lot of man coverage and our guys won.”</p>
<p>The primary backup the last two seasons, Smith started once when three-year starter Chase Burton was benched for the first quarter of a 2017 game.</p>
<p>“It got that first (start) out of the way, so I wasn’t nervous at all,” Smith said. “I was more excited and confident. I think that (start) helped a lot.”</p>
<p>Smith connected with senior receiver Brad Bonomini for three touchdowns of 4, 28 and 40 yards. Bonomini finished with career highs of nine catches and 174 yards.</p>
<p>“He’s a stud,” Smith said. “He smart. He’s not only athletic but he knows how to play football. He’s able to set up defenders and find the gaps.”</p>
<p>Smith’s fourth TD pass was a 12-yarder to freshman tight end Mickey Koczersut.</p>
<p>His longest pass was a 48-yarder to Cole Daab, who made a great catch to put the ball on the Eagles 5-yard line. Payton Healey ran it in on the next play, making it 35-14 with 45 seconds left in the first half.</p>
<p>Grizzlies coach Mike Leonard said he was pleased with Smith’s showing.</p>
<p>“This was his first real start that he earned and he did a great job,” Leonard said. “The beauty of it was we were able to run the ball, too. I think we wore their defensive front down with no-huddle offense.”</p>
<p>Junior Jacob Earl rushed for a team-high 108 yards, with the bulk coming on an 80-yard touchdown. He also added a 1-yard TD run. Junior Austin Grunden added a 4-yard TD run for the Grizzlies’ final score.</p>
<p>Franklin College led NCAA Division III in total offense (564.5 yards) and passing yards (407.1) last season. The Grizzlies racked up 605 yards against Benedictine.</p>
<p>“We preach we want to be No. 1 offense in college football, like every team should,” Bonomini said. “It’s definitely a goal to move the ball around, make plays and put points on the board.”</p>
<p>Leonard said the coaches made a great game plan.</p>
<p>“The players executed it for the most part,” Leonard said. “Late in the game it got a little sloppy, and I take all the blame for that with some personnel issues.”</p>
<p>The Eagles scored 21 unanswered points after Leonard took out the starters in the fourth quarter, but he stuck with his reserves.</p>
<p>“I think morale is so important and guys getting a chance to play in this kind of environment on a beautiful night,” Leonard said. “I didn’t want to throw the (starters) back out there and look like we’re in panic mode.”</p>
