MANCHESTER, N.H. – The Franklin Pierce University football team set a program record with 56 points, while sophomore running back Anthony Johnson rushed for a single-game record 226 yards in a 56-28 victory over Saint Anselm College on Saturday afternoon at Grappone Stadium.
The Ravens improved to 1-1 with their first win of the season, while the Hawks fell to 0-3.
Franklin Pierce surpassed the previous scoring record of 55 points, set against Post University on Oct. 19, 2024. Johnson broke the previous rushing record of 195 yards, established by EJ Burgess against Lake Erie College on Oct. 16, 2021.
Johnson carried the ball 19 times, averaged 11.9 yards per attempt and scored three touchdowns. His three rushing scores also tied Burgess' program record, set against Southern Connecticut State University on Oct. 23, 2021.
Franklin Pierce struck quickly when Shawn Brown connected with Joseph Mugovero for a 64-yard touchdown less than two minutes into the game. Jaden Griffin added a one-yard rushing score to give the Ravens an early 14-0 advantage.
After Saint Anselm tied the game, Franklin Pierce took control with 35 unanswered points. Mugovero caught his second touchdown of the afternoon on a 55-yard pass from Kevin Leal before Johnson scored from 12 yards out to make it 28-14.
Brown closed the first half with a 29-yard touchdown pass to Tristan Evans, sending the Ravens into the break with a 35-14 lead.
Johnson added a 16-yard touchdown early in the third quarter before Brown connected with Kha'lil Eason for a 29-yard score. Johnson capped the record-setting performance with a four-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
The Ravens finished with 580 yards of total offense, averaging 9.1 yards per play. Franklin Pierce rushed for 313 yards and four touchdowns while adding 267 yards and four scores through the air.
Brown completed seven passes for 161 yards and three touchdowns, while Leal added 106 yards and one score. Mugovero led the receiving corps with four catches for 168 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensively, Damon Smith recorded a team-high eight tackles. Jah'rece Matthews added a sack, Darian Lopez-Sullivan recorded an interception and Daniel Akinboyewa and Darian Ramos each recovered a fumble.
Franklin Pierce returns home to host Bentley University for Rock the Flock on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. at Sodexo Field.
