The Muskingum University football team delivered a valiant comeback effort but fell just one point shy in a 34-33 heartbreaker to Franklin College on Saturday evening inside the Bullock Health and Wellness Complex.

After trailing 21-0 early in the second quarter, the Muskies stormed back behind strong performances from junior quarterback Cavan Cooper, sophomore kicker Aaron Ortega, and a stingy defensive unit that turned momentum in Muskingum's favor.

Ortega put Muskingum on the board with a 26-yard field goal, followed by junior receiver Cade Searls' three-yard rushing touchdown to trim the deficit. Cooper connected with senior receiver David Westrick on a 10-yard scoring strike before Ortega's second field goal pulled the Muskies within one possession at halftime, 28-20.

In the third quarter, sophomore defensive back Malachi Stromile electrified the crowd with a 9-yard interception return for a touchdown, cutting Franklin's lead to one. Cooper then capped off a 13-play, 67-yard drive with a two-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter to give Muskingum its first lead of the night at 33-28.

Franklin responded with a late touchdown pass with just over a minute remaining to escape with the narrow 34-33 win.

Despite the outcome, the Muskies' resilience and explosive offense highlighted a strong performance that saw them outgain Franklin 429-403 in total yards and hold a 31:22–28:38 advantage in possession time.

Stat Highlights:

• Cavan Cooper: 20-of-36 passing for 273 yards, 1 TD; 83 rushing yards and 1 rushing TD
• Cade Searls: 4 receptions, 110 yards; 1 rushing TD
• David Westrick: 3 receptions, 36 yards, 1 TD
• Aaron Ortega: 2-for-2 on field goals (26, 32 yards); 3-for-3 on PATs
• Malachi Stromile: 9-yard interception return for a touchdown
• Conner Gurney: Led defense with 7 tackles (4 TFL, 1 sack)
• Martavious Johnson: 7 tackles  (5 solo)

Team Stats:

• Total Offense: Muskingum 429 | Franklin 403
• First Downs: Muskingum 24 | Franklin 23
• Time of Possession: Muskingum 31:22 | Franklin 28:38
• Rushing Yards: Muskingum 156 | Franklin 68
• Passing Yards: 274 | Franklin 335

Up Next

Muskingum (2-2 overall, 2-0 Ohio Athletic Conference) hosts Ohio Northern (3-1 overall, 3-0 Ohio Athletic Conference) for its 103rd Homecoming Game on Saturday, October 11. The contest is scheduled for 1:30 PM at the Bullock Health and Wellness Complex.