Thomas More 63, Franklin 13
Oct 13, 2001
FRANKLIN, Ind. — For the first 12 minutes of today's game, it appeared the host Grizzlies just might be pulling off the biggest victory of their season. With 63 unanswered points, unbeaten non-conference foe Thomas More more than dashed those hopes.Oct 13, 2001
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With the Grizzlies (2-4 overall) holding on to a 13-0 first quarter advantage, the Saints (6-0) regrouped to score nine straight touchdowns to show why they're undefeated six games into the season. Franklin raced out to an early 7-0 lead on a drive set up by an interception by senior strong safety Adam D'Angelo on the first play of the game from scrimmage. Three plays later, sophomore quarterback Jeremy Neibert threw a 6-yard touchdown strike to senior wide receiver Eddie Tucker.
On its next drive, Thomas More was forced to punt, but Matt Godsey's kick was partially blocked by freshman linebacker Joseph Neely. Franklin failed to capitalize on that possession, but scored minutes later on a 37-yard pass from Neibert to sophomore wide receiver Craig Thompson.
The Saints found themselves in a familiar position after also being down by two touchdowns in two previous games. That experience helped them to grind out 346 rushing yards to wear down the Grizzlies during the following three quarters. Running back Justin Frisk led the way with five touchdowns on just 15 carries (71 yards total). Curtis Williams had 105 yards and one TD on 18 attempts. The Saints' defense intercepted six Franklin passes, turning four of them into scores.
Franklin's defense, led by senior defensive end Josh McMillin with 11 tackles, didn't have an answer for a strong Thomas More offense that gained 418 total yards. The FC offense proved it could move the ball by racking up 367 yards of its own, but couldn't score when getting close to the end zone after the opening period. Franklin junior wingback Andy Mamula had six catches for 146 yards. Another bright spot for the Grizzlies was the fourth-quarter play of third-string quarterback Dave Eads, a freshman who completed his first two passes of his college career for 9 yards.