Box Score
Franklin 27, Ohio Wesleyan 14

Freshman running back Nathan Severs (Galena/Big Walnut) scored on a 22-yard run to give Ohio Wesleyan the lead late in the first half, but Franklin outscored the Bishops, 17-0, during the second half to take a non-conference win on Saturday in Franklin, Ind.

The Grizzlies took the opening kickoff and drove 62 yards, with Kai Ross picking up 13 yards on a third-and-6 play from the Franklin 36 and finding Deundre Kirby on a 32-yard pass play to the OWU 11, setting up a 23-yard field goal by Dakota Feorg.

That lead lasted just 14 seconds as freshman wide receiver Austin Koslow (Delaware/Hayes) returned the ensuing kickoff 89 yards for a score, and the conversion by freshman Collin Wehner (Bellbrook/Kettering Alter) gave the Bishops a 7-3 lead.

Ross found Owen Wright for a score midway through the second quarter, capping a 7-play, 75-yard drive with a 13-yard touchdown pass that put Franklin ahead, 10-7.

Once again, the Bishops responded, this time with the help of a 33-yard connection from fifth-year quarterback Kaden Buza (Winchester, Va./Millbrook) to junior wide receiver J.T. James (Hurricane, W.Va.) that took the ball to the Franklin 27, setting up the 22-yard touchdown run by Severs.

Franklin threatened during the final minutes of the half, but after an interception by junior safety Abram Beer (Wesley Chapel, Fla./Wiregrass Ranch) was wiped out by a penalty, junior cornerback Jake Smothers (Radnor/Buckeye Valley) came back to intercept Ross again on the next play.  This interception stood, and the Bishops ran out the clock with a 14-10 lead.

After forcing a punt from the Franklin 8 and taking over on the Grizzly 38, Ohio Wesleyan looked to increase its lead early in the second half, but Kahari Jackson picked off a Buza pass at the goal line.  The Bishops forced a punt, but Koslow fumbled on the return and Franklin's Braden McGowan recovered at the OWU 14.  Franklin took advantage of the opportunity, with Garrett Cora carrying on 4 consecutive plays to gain the 14 yards and give the hosts the lead.

Early in the fourth quarter, Ross ran for 28 and a first down, setting up 6 straight carries by Cora and a 21-yard field goal by Foerg that made it a 20-14 game.  The Grizzlies sealed the outcome with a 28-yard scoring run by Cora with less than 2 minutes remaining in the contest.

Buza completed 15 of 30 passes for 136 yards.  James and Severs caught 5 passes apiece, James for 57 yards and Severs for 35.  Severs also ran for a team-high 40 yards.  Senior linebacker Seth Anderson (Springfield/Kenton Ridge) led the Bishops with 13 tackles, including 1 for loss.

Box Score