Football: Olivet uses big plays to defeat Franklin, 35-32

FRANKLIN, Ind. – The University of Olivet football team scored five touchdowns covering more than 40 yards to defeat Franklin (Ind.) College, 35-32, in its season-opener today at Faught Stadium. Sophomore quarterback Thomas Foust accounted for 418 yards (204 on the ground and 214 passing).

• Final Score: Olivet 35, Franklin 32
• Location: Faught Stadium; Franklin, Indiana
• Records: Olivet 1-0 overall, Franklin 0-1 overall

• The Comets got the ball to the start the game. On the third play, Foust rushed 78 yards for a touchdown. The PAT kick by sophomore Tristan McElhinney was good to make the score 7-0 just 89 seconds into the game.
• Olivet added to its lead later in the opening quarter when sophomore Dontal Wright ran 77 yards for the touchdown. McElhinney's PAT kick made the score 14-0 at the 1:45 mark.
• Franklin cut its deficit down to a point after scoring two touchdowns, one in the final minute of the first stanza and one with 2:28 left before halftime. The PAT kick was missed after the first touchdown to put the Comets ahead 14-13 at halftime.
• Sophomore Austin Berkompas intercepted two passes in the third quarter, but Olivet failed to convert the turnovers into points.
• After recovering a Comet fumble, the Grizzlies scored a touchdown on their first play to go up 19-14.
• Olivet quickly answered on the first play of its ensuing drive. Foust rushed 65 yards for a touchdown and rushed for the two-point conversion to put the Comets ahead 22-19.
• Franklin took advantage of a low snap on a punt to get the ball back at the Olivet 5-yard line. After getting one yards on first down, the Grizzlies scored a 4-yard touchdown run. The PAT kick made the score 26-22 with 6:44 left.
• A 16-yard kickoff return set up the Comets at their 25-yard line. Foust used his legs to gain a yard on first down before unleashing a 74-yard touchdown pass to senior SirQuarius Ball on second down. The PAT kick was no good, but Olivet led by two points, 28-26.
• Franklin had an answer with a 64-yard touchdown pass and PAT kick to regain the lead, 32-28, with 3:52 remaining.
• The Comets got the ball back. On a second and 23 play, Foust rumbled 31 yards for a first down. On the next play, he tossed a 42-yard touchdown pass to Ball. McElhinney converted the PAT kick to make the score 35-32 with 2:14 showing on the clock.
• The Grizzlies threw an interception on the first play of its next drive. Olivet turned the ball over on downs before another Franklin interception stopped its final possession.

• Olivet totaled 580 yards of offense compared to 399 for the Grizzlies.
• Foust was 10-of-17 for 214 yards and two touchdowns. He had 20 carries for 204 yards. Foust's 418 yards of offense ranks third in school history for a game.
• Wright rushed six times for 94 yards.
• Ball caught four passes for 148 yards.
• Berkompas led the defense with 12 total tackles, including nine solo stops. He had two interceptions.
• Senior Kyante Buck and junior Jeramey King tallied seven tackles apiece.

• The Comets travel to play the College of Wooster (Ohio) next Saturday, September 9. Kick-off from John P. Papp Stadium is 1 p.m.