RINDGE, N.H. – The Franklin Pierce University football team totaled 559 yards of offense and forced three turnovers Saturday afternoon, defeating Post University, 42–7, on Homecoming.
The Ravens improved to 4–2 overall and remained unbeaten in Northeast-10 Conference play at 3–0. Post dropped to 0–6 overall and 0–4 in conference action.
Kevin Leal led the passing attack, completing 12 of 20 attempts for 250 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. Dylan Smith caught four passes for 114 yards and a touchdown, while Anthony Johnson rushed for 100 yards and a score on 14 carries. Jaden Griffin added 95 rushing yards and a touchdown on 11 attempts.
Franklin Pierce opened the scoring with 3:52 remaining in the first quarter when Leal connected with Devin Carreiro for a 20-yard touchdown, finishing a 13-play, 60-yard drive.
The Ravens extended their lead early in the second quarter, marching 98 yards on seven plays before Griffin scored from three yards out. Leal later found Smith for a 45-yard touchdown with 1:30 remaining in the half, sending Franklin Pierce into the break ahead 21–0.
Neither team scored in the third quarter, with the Ravens' defense stopping Post on downs at the Franklin Pierce 12-yard line to preserve the shutout.
Franklin Pierce pulled away with three touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Leal connected with Connor Marchi for a 10-yard score before Jeremiah Hayes intercepted a pass to set up Johnson's 38-yard touchdown run. Giovanni Winters then found Tristan Johnson for a 57-yard touchdown, pushing the lead to 42–0 with 6:45 remaining. Post scored its lone touchdown later in the quarter.
Winters finished 6 of 8 for 128 yards and a touchdown. Joseph Mugovero added four receptions for 60 yards, and Adoni Santos converted all six extra point attempts.
Hayes paced the defense with 10 tackles, including two tackles for loss and a sack, while also recording an interception, a fumble recovery and a pass breakup. Will Gomes added six tackles and two tackles for loss. Damon Smith, Kevin Diaz and Jah'rece Matthews each recorded a sack, while Damir Stone forced and recovered a fumble.
The Ravens limited Post to 219 yards of offense and three conversions on 14 third-down attempts.
Franklin Pierce returns home Saturday, October 24, to host Pace University at 1:00 p.m.
