For the Daily Journal
Franklin College started its homecoming game off with two quick touchdowns and kept on scoring in a 66-39 win against Mount St. Joseph at home Saturday.
Chase Burton had much to do with the success. The senior quarterback was 31 for 37 passing for 445 and six touchdowns, breaking the previous school record of 105 career TD throws.
Deontez Alexander caught a 30-yard TD pass from Burton to give the Grizzlies (6-2, 6-0 HCAC) the lead just 2:16 into the game, and Alex Smith hauled in Burton’s record-breaking 106th scoring toss from 4 yards out to make it 14-0.
“I was most proud of the way our guys came out and took control of the game early,” Franklin head coach Mike Leonard said.
The Grizzlies offense didn’t slow down, scoring four touchdowns in the second quarter. Lee Wroblewski and Brad Bonomini both put touchdowns on the board before Burton found Alexander again for a 75-yard touchdown. Another TD grab by Wroblewski, this one a 32-yarder, put the Grizzlies up 42-15 at the half.
Franklin’s defense kept the Lions from scoring in the third quarter, and a Kole Stogner touchdown grew the lead.
A 2-yard run to the end zone by Jacob Earl and a 56-yard touchdown pass from Spencer Fox to Ben Fleet capped the scoring for the home team.
Alexander caught 10 passes for 196 yards to pace the Grizzlies, who amassed 727 yards of total offense. Fleet added 131 yards on six catches, while Jordan Brown led the ground attack with 78 yards on 17 carries.
The Franklin defense was led by Austin Fleming’s six tackles. Fazaun Stephens added an interception and Zach Turner had a pair of sacks.
“We still have some things we need to clean up, but we’re happy with the way that we were able to take command of this one,” Leonard said.
Franklin next plays host to Anderson University. Kickoff is 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
