RINDGE, N.H. (9/5/25) – The Franklin Pierce Ravens seemed to be out of the game with three minutes to go in the fourth quarter. Then quarterback Adrian Parker (Manchester, Conn.) gave the team life. 

Parker, a three-time captain for the Ravens, showcased his leadership and playmaking ability. He delivered a 26-yard strike to wide receiver Austyn Howe (Newington, Conn.) on his back foot to put the Ravens within 11.  

Then, the Ravens got a gift, a successful onside kick. Wide receiver Tristan Evans (East Dummerston, Vt.) scooped up the ball and gave the Ravens another chance to shorten the gap between them and "The Rock".  

Evans also had the first Ravens touchdown of the season early in the second quarter, where he caught a three-yard touchdown pass that evened the score 7-7 at the time.  

However, it was not enough as Slippery Rock's front seven on defense rained down on Parker. Slippery Rock nose tackle Brett Kwoka grabbed his second fumble recovery to put the game on ice.  

Despite the loss, it was an impressive effort for the Ravens against a highly ranked opponent who made it to the semifinals of the Division II College Football Championship in 2024.  

The Ravens' defense continued to give their offense opportunities to climb back into the game. Defensive players Nate Kearney (Wrentham, Mass.) and Geno Facchetti (Wilbraham, Mass.) were among many who contributed to stalling "The Rock" offensively.  

Kearney led the Ravens in tackles with 10 total. Facchetti had three tackles, two being for losses, and one of them being a five-yard sack against Slippery Rock quarterback Anthony Vespo.  

Facchetti also had a fumble recovery and a 54-yard return after a botched snap by Slippery Rock's special teams unit on a field goal attempt that later led to Franklin Pierce's second touchdown of the game.  

However, the Ravens' defense struggled against the run. Franklin Pierce allowed 259 rushing yards during the game as Slippery Rock running backs Jayjay Jordan and Quentin Harrison both ran for over 100 yards.  

Slippery Rock's Jordan finished the game with 151 yards rushing, highlighted by a 74-yard touchdown run at the end of the second quarter to put "The Rock" ahead 21-7.  

The Ravens offense could not keep up with Slippery Rock's running game as Parker was continuously under siege. He was sacked three times and lost two fumbles to Slippery Rock's defense.  

As expected, there were growing pains on both sides. Franklin Pierce is working with a mostly new offensive line and defensive front seven, while Slippery Rock retained a few players from their deep playoff roster a year ago.  

"I don't think we were the best version of ourselves tonight," said Franklin Pierce Head Coach Russell Gaskamp. "That happens sometimes with first games. We have some new players on defense, saw some good stuff at times, but our reputation is that we stop the run, and we didn't do that tonight." 

"I give Franklin Pierce a lot of credit," said Slippery Rock Head Coach Shawn Lutz. "We still didn't play our best game. In the red zone, we missed chances and opportunities. We've got to get a lot better right now, that's for sure." 

But it is only week one, and both teams have a whole season ahead of them. A game like this, especially for the Ravens was a valuable learning experience and showcased that despite mistakes, they could hang with the best of the best.  

"You're team is always going to improve significantly from week one to week two," said Gaskamp. "I think we've got a good team. I told the guys that I am not worried about us right now at all. We've got a week to improve, learn, and get better as a football team." 

The Ravens will host their first Northeast-10 opponent of the season next Saturday as the Pace Setters visit Sodexo Field.  

Kickoff for that game will be at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 13. You can follow the game at fpuravens.com or watch the Ravens Sports Network's broadcast on FloCollege (FloCollege/FloSports is a television service that requires a paid subscription).