Junior quarterback Braden Smith knows there are certain expectations when holding the reins to Franklin College’s proud tradition of potent passing attacks.
“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.”
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).
Smith left after three quarters with Franklin College leading 55-17.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]Click here to purchase photos from this gallery
“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.”
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.
“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.”
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.
“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.”
Smith’s fourth TD pass was a 12-yarder to freshman tight end Mickey Koczersut.
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.
Grizzlies coach Mike Leonard said he was pleased with Smith’s showing.
“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.”
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.
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.
“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.”
Leonard said the coaches made a great game plan.
“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.”
The Eagles scored 21 unanswered points after Leonard took out the starters in the fourth quarter, but he stuck with his reserves.
“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.”
