Article written by student-staff writer Rich Rosa

RINDGE, N.H. (10/14/2023) -- The Franklin Pierce football team hopes to continue its success during their three-game home stand on Saturday as they take on the defending NE-10 conference champions, the Assumption Greyhounds.

To say that last week's home game for Franklin Pierce was filled with emotion is an understatement. The Ravens captured their first Division II and Northeast-10 conference home victory as they beat Southern Connecticut State 17-14 on a 21-yard walk-off field goal by junior kicker Nolan Startzell. This was Startzell's first successful career field goal as a member of Franklin Pierce.

Franklin Pierce head coach Russell Gaskamp was filled with pure joy, along with the rest of the coaching staff, as everyone stormed Sodexo Field when the ball went through the uprights. "I am very happy for Nolan," said Gaskamp following the historic win. "He has had a tough year dealing with injuries, and it feels good that he could step up when it mattered the most."

Gaskamp credits the other side of the ball, which swarmed the backfield several times throughout the game. "The defense did a good job creating pressure to get to SCSU's quarterback." One of three turnovers forced by the Ravens was a strip sack by junior defensive lineman Chris Yeboah, which was recovered by junior defensive lineman Jaylen Bynes. That play alone put wind in the Raven's sails as they cruised downfield just in time for a last-second field goal.

It wasn't just the defense that did their part in the win last week. Twelve different offensive players touched the ball in the win, and two of those players were true freshmen.

Gaskamp's offensive game plan was meticulous yet simple: get the ball to all spots of the field. "Many guys are doing their job offensively, and our job as a coaching staff is to take their strengths and put them into positions to succeed," said Gaskamp.

As Franklin Pierce gets ready for their biggest test of the season against Assumption, the team is focusing on improving the fundamentals and techniques. "We just need to have solid practices that focus on execution," said Gaskamp. He added the team must play complementary football in all three phases.

A player who has been circled and highlighted on the Raven's scouting report is Assumption quarterback Jake Cady. This season, the 6'3 200-pound senior from St. Johnsbury, Vermont, averages 203 passing yards per game and leads the NE-10 in passing touchdowns with 14. Gaskamp mentioned that Cady is the most improved player in the conference adding that he is dangerous with his arms and legs.

Throughout the season, Gaskamp has talked about team goals. The first goal was to win their season opener. They beat Lake Erie 26-10. Their next goal was to win home games in October. They got a home win last week against SCSU and made history.

Assumption is one of two teams that has an undefeated conference record.

With the Greyhounds heading to Rindge Saturday, Gaskamp said his team remains dialed in. "If we want to have a realistic chance to win the NE-10, we have to beat them, but this game is part of our team goal of winning in October."