Photo Courtesy of Franklin and Marshall Athletics Department.
Franklin and Marshall football brought home “The Wagon” during Saturday’s game against Dickinson College. The Diplomats defeated the Red Devils 23-14 at home at Shadek Stadium during True Blue Weekend.
Gifted by former athletic directors J. Shower Barr, of Franklin and Marshall College, and Dave Eavenson, of Dickinson College, The Conestoga Wagon trophy symbolizes the intense rivalry between the two schools. The Diplomats and the Red Devils first met in 1889, but have played for The Wagon since 1963. The trophy is a model of the wagon that transported the teams to play each other back in 1889. Since 1889, F&M has led the series 68-44-3, and since the introduction of The Wagon, the Diplomats hold a 34-27 lead over Dickinson.
The first quarter saw neither team scoring as the Diplomats’ defense pressure ensured no score by the Red Devils. Players Quincy Long ‘27 and Matthew Scully ‘25 stopped two drives by Dickinson that crossed the midfield.
During the second quarter, quarterback Ty Tremba ‘26 connected with wide receiver Michael Poruban ‘27 for the touchdown, putting the Diplomats on the scoreboard. Laurence Miller ‘25 completed two successful field goals, giving the Diplomats a total of ten points before half-time.
The Diplomats took the lead during the third quarter after a Dickinson penalty moved the Diplomats further into Red Devils territory. Tremba capitalized, running the ball in from six yards out on fourth-and-two, putting F&M ahead of Dickinson 16-14.
F&M’s Kyle Evancho ‘26 intercepted a pass near midfield, stalling Dickinson, during the fourth quarter. The Diplomats went on an impressive 87-yard march down the field, with key receptions of 20 yards by Jack O’Hearen ‘25 and 32 yards by Gary Lewis ‘26. Tremba finished it off with a 14-yard touchdown pass to O’Hearen, extending the Diplomats’ lead 23-14, securing the win.
F&M’s Matthew Scully has been named Centennial Conference Player of the Week after leading the Diplomats to the win.
Reflecting on the game, players say their preparation was a key factor. “I think the team had great energy all throughout the week,” said Chris Solecki, ’28. “We had a great week of practice, and that helped us go into the game very confident, which helped us trust our skills and everything we worked for all season and we came out with the W.”
Anthony Valdez, ‘28, added, “Past seasons and the rivalry that’s been created between us and Dickinson pushed us to work harder and lock in during the week of practice. The seniors stressed that this year we needed to seize back the Wagon and win in a great way during True Blue Weekend.”
The Diplomats will continue conference play as they head to Ursinus College on October 12th for their next game of the season.
Freshman Lavanya Seshasayee is a Staff Writer. Her email is lseshasa@fandm.edu