Recap by student-staff writer Joseph Mclaughlin

SMITHFIELD, R.I. (9/7/24) - The Franklin Pierce Football team falls to the Bryant Bulldogs 21-17 in their season opener after an impressive and valiant effort against a Division I opponent.  

Score: Franklin Pierce 17, Bryant 21. 
Records: Franklin Pierce 0-1 (0-0 NE10), Bryant 1-1 (0-1 CAA). 
Location: Beirne Stadium, Smithfield, R.I. 
Date: September 7, 2024 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The first quarter went back and forth, but the Ravens defense stole the show early, forcing the Bulldogs to punt on their first two possessions. However, the Bulldogs would find a crack in the armor, striking first courtesy of a 30-touchdown pass from quarterback Jarrett Guest to receiver Landon Ruggieri.  

• The Ravens responded in the second quarter with a red zone drive. They soon would tie the game up 7-7 thanks to a rushing touchdown from sophomore running back Guerschom Guerrier (Naples, FL). The score would remain the same going into halftime. 

• The third quarter began with the Ravens extending their lead in the first three minutes of the second half. Sophomore quarterback Adrian Parker (Manchester, CT) heaved a 53-yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Jahmir Dixon (Philadelphia, PA) to put the Ravens in front 14-7. The Bulldogs answered four minutes later with a 20-yard passing touchdown to Landon Ruggieri, his second of the game.  

• With the score tied, the Ravens' defense continued to play well in the third quarter. Senior defensive back Jaden Clark (West Warwick, RI) made a crucial interception at the Bulldogs' 15-yard-line putting the Ravens in tremendous field position. However, the Bulldogs' defense was stout and forced the Ravens to comply with a 32-yard field goal from the leg of senior kicker Nolan Startzell (Scituate, MA) putting them back in front 17-14. 

• The Ravens entered the final quarter ahead by three points, but the fatigue started to set in. With a much larger roster, the Bulldogs were able to put together an effective offensive drive to recapture the lead. Landon Ruggieri once again had his name called, catching his third touchdown pass in the corner of the endzone to put the Bulldogs ahead 21-17, which would be the final score of the game. 

BREAKING DOWN THE NUMBERS:

• Adrian Parker (Manchester, CT) played well for the Ravens, completing 28 of his 50 passes, and throwing the 53-yard touchdown pass to Jahmir Dixon.

  Dixon led the team in receiving yards with 89, had 5 receptions and a touchdown. Sophomore receiver Joziah Gonzalez (Meridian, CT) was a close second, grabbing 8 receptions for 83 yards.  

• The Ravens were nearly even with the Bulldogs in passing, having 262 yards to the Bulldogs' 282. They also outran the Bulldogs for 99 rushing yards compared to the Bulldogs 76.  

• The crucial stat was the turnover battle. The Bulldogs recovered 2 of 3 forced fumbles while the Ravens only had one interception from Jaden Clark (West Warwick, RI). 

NEXT UP FOR THE RAVENS: The Ravens, despite coming short today, have a lot of positives to take away. Both their offense and defense played to a high standard, helping them compete with a Division I program. They will take this next week to recover and prepare for their home opener against their NE10 rival, the Assumption Greyhounds. Kickoff is Saturday, September 14th at 1pm.