RINDGE, N.H. – The Franklin Pierce University football team suffered a heartbreaking 20-19 loss to Pace University on Saturday afternoon at Sodexo Field, as the Setters scored a touchdown on the final play of regulation to steal the victory.
The loss snaps the Ravens' three-game winning streak, dropping Franklin Pierce to 4-3 overall and 3-1 in Northeast-10 Conference play. Pace improves to 5-2 overall and remains unbeaten in conference action at 4-0.
After falling behind 7-0 in the first quarter, Franklin Pierce responded with a pair of field goals from Adoni Santos, connecting from 22 and 30 yards to cut the deficit to 7-6 at halftime.
The Ravens took their first lead of the afternoon midway through the third quarter when Kevin Leal connected with Dylan Smith for a 25-yard touchdown pass, putting Franklin Pierce ahead 13-7.
Pace answered with a touchdown of its own to regain a 14-13 advantage, but the Ravens responded early in the fourth quarter. Leal found Jaden Griffin for a 31-yard touchdown reception, giving Franklin Pierce a 19-14 lead with 13:25 remaining.
Franklin Pierce held that advantage until the final seconds, when Pace completed a 10-yard touchdown pass as time expired to secure the 20-19 victory.
Leal finished with 206 passing yards and two touchdowns, while Griffin led the rushing attack with 66 yards on 14 carries. Griffin also added a 31-yard touchdown reception, finishing with 97 total yards of offense.
Smith led the Ravens' receiving corps with 54 yards and a touchdown on three receptions, while Tristan Evans added 42 receiving yards.
Defensively, Jeremiah Hayes led Franklin Pierce with 12 tackles, including two tackles for loss and a sack. Kevin Diaz added eight tackles, while John Gogliettino and Ismail Shabazz each recorded an interception.
Up Next: Franklin Pierce will look to bounce back on Saturday, October 31, when the Ravens travel to Southern Connecticut State University for a 2:00 p.m. NE10 matchup.
