By Cameron Baker
For the Daily Journal
Franklin College’s matchup against visiting Anderson on Saturday got off to a less than ideal start, with a fumble on the first play from scrimmage. The Ravens scored merely three plays later when Zac Montgomery found Julian Holguin open in the end zone from 13 yards out, putting the Grizzlies down 7-0 after just 41 seconds of game time.
The home team responded with a touchdown of its own — the first of five on the day for senior running back Garrett Cora — on the way to a 35-14 win.
Cora’s five touchdowns made him Franklin’s all-time leader in that category with 56, beating out Kyle Linville’s decade-old record of 53. His 211 yards on the ground also made him the college’s career rushing leader.
“I’m just so blessed to be where I’m at, I’m thankful for my teammates, my coaches, especially my family for allowing me to do this,” Cora said. “Without all those people in my life, this would be impossible. I haven’t really thought about it too much yet, but I’m sure I’ll look back in years from now and realize how special it is. Franklin is a special place.”
Both teams were affected by the turnover bug in the first quarter, as Anderson’s Antonious Hurd intercepted Kai Ross halfway through the first quarter and the Grizzlies’ Haden Durnil responded with an interception of his own five plays later. Ross added a second interception to his stat line with 53 seconds left in the first quarter when Matt Shams brought down a tipped ball.
Despite the offensive struggles for Franklin (3-5, 2-2 HCAC), the defense was more than up to the challenge to keep the game within reach. The Grizzlies prevented the Ravens from converting their third-down chances all game and only allowed 197 yards on the day.
“Our defensive line did a really great job at creating pressure on their quarterback and was able to get some sacks,” Franklin coach Alan Hensell said. “We’ve been inconsistent at times through the season at doing that. I’m really proud of our front line, our line backers and our defense in general.”
Devonte Brown led the defensive charge with 11 total tackles, 3.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss. Jake Jones contributed as well with a pair of sacks.
The Grizzlies looked to be a different team after halftime, as the defense ramped up its intensity and the offense began to find a rhythm that proved to be the end of the Ravens. The second-half onslaught began when Ross found Cora on a screen pass that put him level with Linville for career touchdowns.
With 5:39 remaining in the game, Cora scored his third touchdown of the day on a 6-yard run to break the school record.
The high only lasted a couple of minutes, as Hurd took the kickoff 91 yards to return the deficit to only one score. A failed onside kick attempt from Anderson (1-7, 0-4) left Franklin with great field position and plenty of time to see out the game.
But Cora wasn’t done scoring. He ripped off a 47-yard touchdown with 5:16 left in the game and another 14-yard touchdown with 1:42 remaining to secure the win for the team.
“Garrett has been a great team player his whole career here,” Hensell said. “He’s first class and I couldn’t be prouder of him. It’s not every day where you break the career touchdown record and the career rushing record all in the same game. But also, you know, it’s not all him, but also what our offense has done for him over his time here. Starting with the offensive line and tight ends, quarterbacks, receivers, and the guys in the running back room. I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
