Article Written by student-staff writer Rich Rosa 

RINDGE, N.H (10/21/2023) -- The Franklin Pierce football team sent a strong message last Saturday at Sodexo Field but suffered a 21-17 loss to the defending NE-10 conference champions, the Assumption Greyhounds.

"I am proud of how our guys played and fought through adversity. We need to stick with the process and move forward," said Gaskamp.

Leading up to last week's game against Assumption, the Franklin Pierce football war room was buzzing with preparation as Gaskamp, and his six-man coaching squad picked apart game film and dialed in on the Greyhounds offense. "Containing the QB was the main focus," said Gaskamp. The combination of preparation and execution created serious results. Assumption QB Jake Cady was picked off twice and fumbled in the final three minutes of the game. In total, the Ravens defense forced four turnovers. "The front seven stepped up in the biggest test of the season, and the defensive backs held their end of the bargain," said Gaskamp.

Turning the page to the final home game of the three-game homestand, Franklin Pierce gets ready to face off against the Post Eagles for the second time in program history. Last year, Franklin Pierce beat Post 42-19, and it was the first time in program history that the Ravens scored 40 or more points in a single game.

Despite the big win, Gaskamp is not taking Post lightly. Post University is coming off a bye week, and they are hungry for their first win of the season. Gaskamp said, "Post will challenge us by making us move the ball downfield consistently. We need to go out and execute on every drive." Gaskamp added that the Eagles are running new schemes with a new defensive staff.

After two sluggish weeks from the Raven's backfield, Gaskamp hopes the team can pick up the pace especially on the ground. Against Assumption, the Ravens rushed for 63 yards on 38 caries. "We need to simplify what we are doing offensively," said Gaskamp who added the team focused on the basics during practice this week.

Saturday's game is Franklin Pierce's fall festival. Gaskamp mentioned it would be a fun day for fans to enjoy the game's atmosphere and what the campus has to offer.

Franklin Pierce can close out the three-game home stand with a win. Gaskamp still has not forgotten the season goals that they set. "The focus is to win in October," said Gaskamp.