POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - The Franklin Pierce University football team opened the 2026 season with a 27-18 loss to Marist College on Friday night at Tenney Stadium.
With the loss, the Ravens begin the season with a 0-1 record.
Marist opened the scoring with a 45-yard rushing touchdown midway through the first quarter. Franklin Pierce responded early in the second when
Adoni Santos capped a 10-play, 61-yard drive with a 31-yard field goal, cutting the deficit to 6-3.
Following another Marist touchdown, Santos converted again, this time from 22 yards as time expired in the first half, sending the Ravens into the break trailing 13-6.
The Red Foxes extended their advantage with a touchdown in the third quarter, but Franklin Pierce continued to battle, scoring two touchdowns in the final quarter. The first came with 9:20 remaining when
Kevin Leal connected with
Raj Hillhouse for a 28-yard touchdown, pulling the Ravens within eight at 20-12.
Marist answered with a touchdown on its ensuing possession to restore a 15-point advantage. Franklin Pierce responded with a 15-play, 65-yard drive, capped by Leal finding Hillhouse for a five-yard touchdown with 3:23 remaining. Ultimately, the Ravens were unable to complete the comeback as Marist held on for the 27-18 victory.
Leal completed 10-of-18 passes for 97 yards and two touchdowns, while Hillhouse caught three passes for 35 yards and both scores.
Shawn Brown led the rushing attack from the quarterback position, recording 92 yards on 13 carries while completing 8-of-11 passes for 41 yards.
Defensively,
Damir Stone led Franklin Pierce with seven tackles, including one for a loss of two yards.
Jamel Lee recorded six tackles, while
Damon Smith finished with five.
Franklin Pierce returns to action on Saturday, September 19, when it travels to Saint Anselm College for a 1 p.m. kickoff.
