FRANKLIN, Ind. — It's amazing what a little home-cooking can do for a football player -– just ask the members of the Franklin Grizzlies' defense and (rushing) offense.
After getting shelled for 101 points in its previous two Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference games on the road, and being ranked last in the eight-school league, the Grizzlies' defense forced six turnovers and held Anderson scoreless until the fourth quarter to lead Franklin to a 34-6 victory at Stewart "Red" Faught Stadium today.
Franklin's offense, meanwhile, received an unexpected boost from freshman running back Brandon Gillard, who rushed for 119 yards in just nine carries, including a 62-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Gillard also scored on a 4-yard run in the third quarter to give Franklin a 28-0 lead, and provide a much-needed spark to a running game that gained just five yards in last week's loss at the College of Mount St. Joseph. Franklin gained 126 rushing yards, and outgained Anderson in total offense 462 to 378.
Franklin (4-3, 2-2 HCAC) took control of the game early. The Grizzlies scored on the game's opening possession when senior wide receiver Jim Larkin ran the ball in from three yards out. Seven points was enough for Franklin's defense, which forced Anderson (1-6, 1-3) to turn the ball over on three consecutive possessions from the first quarter into the second quarter.
Franklin capitalized on the second turnover when senior quarterback Travis McMahen threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Eddie Tucker.
Gillard set up the Grizzlies' first touchdown on a 42-yard run that moved the ball to the Anderson 5-yard line. That run, combined with his 62-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, helped him to compile 109 of his rushing yards in the first half. Franklin built a 34-0 lead when McMahen completed a 60-yard touchdown pass to Larkin early in the fourth quarter.
Freshman linebacker Brad Epperson made 10 tackles for FC, while senior teammate John Batty made eight tackles and made two interceptions.
Game Story
