MANSFIELD – Mansfield shut out Franklin Pierce's offense as the Mountaineers rolled to an 18-2 Homecoming victory to win the Josh Palmer Pigskin Classic on Saturday at Karl Van Norman Field.
 
In the first quarter, both sides threatened in enemy territory, but neither team was able to produce points in what would prove to be a scoreless quarter.
 
In the second quarter, quarterback Gary Raupers rushed four straight times, scrambling out of the pocket and finding pay dirt on a 17-yard rushing touchdown to give Mansfield (2-3, 0-3 CSFL South) a 6-0 advantage. The score capped a seven play, 44-yard drive that began in Franklin Pierce territory. It was the second rushing touchdown in as many games for Raupers.
 
Just before halftime, Franklin Pierce got on the board when its defense forced the Mountaineer quarterback out of the back of the endzone resulting in a safety to make it 6-2 at the half.
 
Mansfield padded its lead with two more touchdowns in the second half to climb out to an 18-2 advantage. Brandon Allen picked off a pass in the third quarter and returned it 20 yards for a touchdown, before Vaughn Hines punched in a two-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
 
Franklin Pierce held a 336 to 263 advantage in total offense, but was plagued with 11 penalties for 188 yards.
 
Starting quarterback Adam Hutchison completed nine passes for 106 yards with Raupers connecting on five passes for 48 yards. Raupers led the rushing attack with 10 attempts for a net of 56 yards as Hines rushed 23 times for 48 yards.
 
Quinn Henry was the top target for the Mountaineers, hauling in four passes for 54 yards. Savile Pope had three catches for 49 yards.
 
Bryton Barna continued to lead the Mansfield defense with a game-high nine tackles. Chase Moser totaled five solo tackles including 1.5 sacks and a fumble recovery while Kayin Berger also had five solo tackles with two sacks and a pass break up.
 
Raven quarterback Jared Lubas went 18-44 through the air for 245 yards and an interception.
 
It marks the first time that Mansfield's defense shut out the opposing offense since a 28-0 win against Post during the 2016 season.
 
Mansfield completes a two-game home stand by hosting Caldwell for Senior Day next Saturday.

 

Take a look at Mansfield's scores from their Homecoming Victory!!!#RiseUpMU pic.twitter.com/N4eC5dcW6v

— Mountie All-Access🎥 (@MountieAllAcces) October 20, 2018