Football Clipped at Franklin Pierce

Football Clipped at Franklin Pierce

RINDGE, N.H. – The Franklin Pierce University football team stopped a game-tying two-point conversion with 43 seconds remaining in regulation to preserve a 29-27 victory over Curry College on Saturday afternoon at Sodexo Field.

The Colonels got the only score of the opening quarter as senior quarterback Nick Juvelier (Centereach, N.Y.) found junior Zach Levy (Bellingham, Mass.) from 24 yards out to cap a six-play, 65-yard drive. Sophomore Nick Oliveira (East Providence, R.I.) tacked on the point after to make the score 7-0.

The Ravens responded with its first drive of the second quarter to get on the scoreboard, putting together a six-play, 31-yard series in 3:18, finished off by a nine-yard rush by freshman Chazz Bryant (Clifton, N.J.). The offense stayed on the field for a two-point conversion and junior Lo Jackson's (Columbia, S.C.) rush attempt was successful to put Franklin Pierce up 8-7.  

The Ravens added another score just before the end of the first half as freshman quarterback Drew Campanale (Shrewsbury, Mass.) connected with classmate Nathan Selby (Cambridge, Vt.) for a 10-yard pass to conclude an eight-play, 47-yard drive. Freshman Morgan Smith (South Glens Falls, N.Y.) added the PAT to increase the lead to 15-7 heading into halftime.

Following four empty possessions to start the second half, Franklin Pierce put together a scoring drive of five plays and 66 yards in 1:55. The series was finished off with a 10-yard pass from Campanale to KJ Lewis. Smith tacked on the extra point to extend the lead to 22-7.

Curry answered back on the following drive, traveling 60 yards in seven plays. The possession was capped when freshman Gabriel DeSouza (North Andover, Mass.) brought in a 21-yard touchdown reception from Juvelier. Oliveira's point-after cut the deficit eight, 22-14.

The Ravens put up its final score of the contest in the fourth quarter, a one-yard rush from Campanale. Smith added the extra point to extend the lead to 29-14.

The Colonels then orchestrated back-to-back scoring drives to cut into the deficit. Juvelier found senior Nick Villanueva (Hanson, Mass.) from seven yards out and Juvelier connected with DeSouza for a six-yard score to trim the lead to two. With 43 seconds to go in regulation, Curry went for a two-point conversion and Juvelier's pass attempt failed as Franklin Pierce would escape with the 29-27 victory.

Curry was led offensively by Juvelier who threw 30 completions on 48 attempts for 279 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception. He also amassed 20 yards on the ground on nine carries and another score. Levy led the ground game with 25 yards on seven carries.

Villanueva led the receiving corps with 83 yards and one score while catching six passes. DeSouza added six receptions for 68 yards and two touchdowns while Levy also hauled in six receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, sophomore James Nyamwaya (North Andover, Mass.) finished with a game-high 12 tackles (three solo, nine assisted). Sophomore Gregory Silvia (Coventry, R.I.) followed with 11 tackles and a fumble recovery. Freshman Joshua Gabbidon (Orlando, Fla.) finished with eight tackles (five solos) and two pass break-ups.

Franklin Pierce was led by Campanale who threw for 184 yards on 13-of-30 and two touchdowns. Campanale also paced the ground game with 53 yards on 14 carries and one score. Selby finished with a team-high 62 receiving yards on three catches and one touchdown.

Defensively, freshman Tyvarius Daniels (Springfield, Mass.) recorded nine total tackles, including two for a loss of three yards. Freshman Ishmael Johnson (Lynn, Mass.) followed with eight tackles (five solos), with one pass break-up. Senior Will Petit (Houston, Texas) rounded out the leaders with seven tackles.

Curry (0-2 overall) heads into a bye week and will travel to Coast Guard for its next contest on Saturday, September 28 at 1:30 p.m. Franklin Pierce (1-1 overall) opens conference play at home against Pace University on Saturday, September 21 at 6:00 p.m.

For the latest on Curry Athletics, follow the Colonels via social media on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and YouTube.