Franklin's Offensive Showcase at Valpo Highlights HCAC Football Opening Weekend

VALPARAISO, IN - Franklin College (1-0, 0-0 HCAC) rallied from a two-touchdown deficit and then took full control in the second half to defeat Valparaiso 49-35 Saturday night.  The Grizzlies piled up an eye-popping 669 yards of total offense against the Crusaders, a NCAA Football Championship Subdivision affiliate.

Valpo held a 28-14 lead with just over five minutes to play in the first half, but that is when the Grizzlies offense kicked it in full gear.  FC found the end zone twice in the final five minutes of the half to knot the score at 28-28 heading into the half. 

Sophomore quarterback Jonny West (Avon, Ind./Speedway) tossed a pair of touchdowns (59 and 12 yards) to tie the game.  The sophomore added his fourth and five touchdown passes to stretch the Franklin advantage to 49-35 midway through the fourth quarter. 

In his first collegiate start under center, West completed 32 of his 51 passes for 448 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions. 

Junior split end Kyle Linville (Speedway, Ind./H.S.) was the leading receiver for FC, catching eight passes for 151 yards and a score. 

The Franklin offense also rushed for 221 yards on the ground and was led by sophomore Ethan Cook (New Albany, Ind./Providence).  Cook finished with 115 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries for the blue and gold. 

Franklin, ranked No. 21 in the latest D3football.com Top 25 Poll, opens their home schedule Saturday afternoon against top ranked and defending national champion Wisconsin-Whitewater at 1:00 PM. 

The game will be webcast live on HomeTown Sports Indiana.

For a complete recap of Week 1 in HCAC Football, click here