LANCASTER, PA - The Catholic football team traveled to Franklin & Marshall for a non-conference matchup for their second road game this season. The Cardinals trailed 28-0 at halftime and were unable to find the endzone until late fourth quarter. The Diplomats' offense was able to consistently keep pressure on the Catholic defense to give way to a final score of 42-7.

The Cardinals received the opening kickoff and Brady McBride and the Catholic offense was unable to convert on their opening drive. This resulted in a 15 yard punt from and put Franklin & Marshall on their own 33 yard line. The Diplomats were able to push down the field in a series of 1st downs and find themselves on the board with an early 6 yard touchdown pass from Ty Tremba to Matt Eitner. Catholic had a quick three and out that put the ball back in the hands of the Diplomats offense to end the quarter with a 14-0 score.

In the second quarter, the Diplomats were unable to convert on a 3rd and 10, thanks to a QB hurry from Maximus Desir and a tackle by Evan Chromy. Catholic's Lawson Haylock forced a fumble and it was recovered by Samuel Dumas late in the second quarter at the Franklin & Marshall 11. The Cardinals almost had their first points of the day with a 35 yard field goal attempt from Kieran Brenner, but it was blocked by LT Kelley. The Diplomats found the endzone two times during the second quarter, leading 28-0 at halftime.

The Diplomats received the ball to start the second half and inched their way down the field to increase their lead to 35-0. This was the only scoring play for either time during the 3rd quarter. 

Franklin & Marshall started the 4th quarter with the ball and once again found the endzone, leading 42-0. After this score, Catholic started its only scoring drive of the game with 12:45 remaining.

Between Charles Gulbin in as quarterback and Keegan Eichert completing short rushes, the Cardinals started to inch down field. Gulbin completed a 7 yard pass to Nole Henry for his first collegiate completion. Further in the drive on a 4th and 1, Gulbin sent another pass to Nole to push 19 yards. After passes to Andrew Tabor and Cade Chrebet, and a few small rushes, the Cardinals were now 1st and goal at the two yard line. Gulbin completed a one yard rush, leaving the cards mere feet away from putting themselves on the board. McBride returned as quarterback to earn himself a one yard rushing touchdown and give Catholic its first points of the game. Brenner's kick gave way to a 42-7 score with 3:36 left in the game.

The Catholic defense was able to hold strong in the final minutes, but ultimately fell in a 42-7 loss to Franklin & Marshall.

Daequan Harvin led the Cardinals with 58 rushing yards. Chromy had the only sack for the Cardinal defense forcing a loss of three yards. Tabor had 35 yards for 3 receptions while teammate Nole was close behind with 32 yards on 3 receptions.

Up next, the Cardinals will return home to Cardinal Stadium to take on #8 Salisbury on Saturday, September 27th at 2 p.m.