Gameday Info
Franklin Pierce vs. Pace
Sodexo Field -- Kickoff: 1 p.m.

Raven Row opens: 10 a.m.
Ticket sales open: 11:30 a.m.

Coin toss: Alia Godek and Micaela Leandro, captains of Franklin Pierce's Northeast-10 Conference champion women's golf team

Halftime
Recognition of Ravens women's golf, 2022 Northeast-10 Conference champions
Raven Marching Band
Recognition of Franklin Pierce Athletics Hall of Fame 2022 induction class
Raven Thunder

By Rich Rosa, staff writer.

The Franklin Pierce University football team heads into its 2022 home finale following back-to-back road losses. At Polar Park against Assumption on Oct. 9, the Ravens lost 28-14. The Greyhounds controlled the game from start to finish, though graduate student EJ Burgess (Pearland, Texas) found the end zone for the first time this season. Last week against Southern Connecticut State, Franklin Pierce started slow, as the Owls took a 17-0 lead after the first quarter, on the way to a 37-20 win. The Raven offense came alive after halftime at SCSU, and head coach Russell Gaskamp believes the offensive line has improved over the last two weeks. However, he discussed there are injuries on both sides of the ball. There is a lot of work to be done as Franklin Pierce prepares for Pace University.

The seniors are preparing for the final home game of their collegiate careers. "The seniors have been through some tough times with building the program up. The hope is they leave knowing they were trying to build something," said Gaskamp. Several players have been with the team since 2019 and have been through ups and downs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In practice this week, the team is looking to continue improving on both sides of the ball. Gaskamp discussed that the team needs to play better defensively in order to stop the run game. Another weakness is special teams, where they missed two extra points and gave up a punt return for a touchdown last week at SCSU. "Protection can improve because Pace has a good pass rush," said Gaskamp. Overall, the coac believes that the team is getting better every day. "I know we can improve," he continued. 

Gaskamp is challenging the team after the loss to the Owls. "This upcoming game is an evaluation game for all the players. These players understand all the coaches will have their eyes on them," said Gaskamp. He emphasized that he wants the team to finish strong, because it provides a momentum boost going into next year with recruitment. "I feel we, as a team, didn't play to the standard that I believe we could have played this season," said Gaskamp. 

One veteran who has shined over the years is junior defensive lineman Armani Mette (Randolph, Mass.). "He is a force on the defensive line, and he is a guy that has improved over the years," said Gaskamp.

The focus for the team against Pace is to start fast on both sides of the ball. "When things go wrong, we raise each other up, build on it, and move on to the next play," said Mette. Mette believes he is a more mature player both on and off the field. He focused on the grind during the offseason and was doing his best to avoid setbacks. "I improved my game a lot, starting off with how explosive I am getting off the ball," said Mette. "I want to make more tackles or allow my linebackers to make the tackles."

Against Southern Connecticut State, Mette believes the offense was executing throughout the game. He knows defensively, the team did not play to its full potential. Mette has enjoyed his career at Franklin Pierce because he has met many people on campus who have supported him. He feels coming to Rindge made him a better leader, person and player. As a defensive unit, the team can understand what looks they are getting from our opponents. Mette credits the coaching staff, including defensive coordinator Taylor Ewen. "We are good communicators, and most importantly, we hold each other accountable and have each other's back," said Mette of the defense. 

Mette's game day routine consists of waking up, looking in the mirror, and saying, "play your heart out and remember your purpose." He adds, "Before a game, I look at my practice notes to see what I need to dominate the offense." Mette discussed that as a leader, it is his job to set the tone and lead his team to success. He always starts by giving everyone the confidence they need. "I am an energetic, loud, happy, and positive guy. My goal is for my energy and sense of urgency on and off the field to bounce back to the team," said Mette. 

According to Mette, the bond he has with the team is strong. He loves every player, and all of them know if they need anything or if there is a problem, they should go to him. "I have everyone's back on and off the field," said Mette. Personally, he loves being with his family. "The jokes we have around the house bring up so much laughter, which makes us so much stronger. The thing I love best about my family is they are supportive," said Mette. Some activities he does with his family are eating, working out, and going to the movies. 

The Ravens are ready for their final home game of the 2022 season. Mette and Gaskamp believe that if the team can put all the pieces together and learn from their mistakes in the past two games, the Ravens can come away with the victory. Kickoff against Pace is at 1 p.m. at Sodexo Field., and the Department of Athletics will honor its 2022 Hall of Fame inductees at halftime.