Photo Courtesy of Franklin and Marshall Athletics Department.
It was a gut-wrenching game for Franklin and Marshall College football as the Diplomats fell to the Muhlenberg Mules 23-24 at Saturday’s nail-biting final home game. The stadium was packed with students, parents, and local fans, alive with anticipation for a Diplomats win as they honored their graduating seniors. But a failed field-goal led to their ultimate demise and left the crowd stunned.
The first quarter saw no scoring from the Diplomats. The Mules secured the only points, scoring a touchdown and field goal to bring the score to 7-0. Muhlenberg extended their lead 14-0 early in the second quarter with their longest drive of the game at 76 yards. The Diplomats finally got on the board with a successful 31-yard field goal by Laurence Miller ‘25.
The Diplomats made big moves during the second half starting off with Brady Aselton ‘25 completing a 25-yard touchdown from quarterback Ty Tremba ‘26. With just over two minutes left in the third quarter, Jack O’Hearen ‘26 successfully received a 9 yard pass, scoring the Diplomats’ second touchdown. Field goal kick by Laurence Miller ‘25 extended the Diplomat’s lead 17-14.
Dramatic fourth quarter at Shadek Stadium as Muhlenburg pulled ahead of the Diplomats 21-14. With two minutes left, the Diplomats retook the lead with a ten yard run by Aaron Rascoe ‘25, bringing F&M two points ahead at 23-21. However a successful 29 yard field goal by the Mules as regulation time ended edged the Diplomats out by one point.
Diplomats fans were on the edge of their seats as they watched the Muhlenberg Mules kick the final field goal to secure their victory.
Seasoned fan Caroline Labb ‘28 commented, “We really thought that late comeback was going to win it for the seniors. It’s so disappointing that they couldn’t finish the job.”
First-time game attendee Lena Smith ‘28 commented on her experience at Shadek Stadium stating, “At halftime, we thought they had no chance, and then they had this great comeback, so to lose by one point was just so frustrating.”
Regular Diplomats Football attendee Louise Truong ‘28 expressed her sadness saying “It was the longest two seconds of my life.”
The Diplomats are back on the road next weekend with their last regular season game at Gettysburg. If the Diplomats win their final regular season game, they will secure their position in the Centennial-MAC Bowl Series. Roll Diplomats!
Freshman Lavanya Seshasayee is a Staff Writer. Her email is lseshasa@fandm.edu