University of Pennsylvania Athletics

PHILADELPHIA – The University of Pennsylvania sprint football team fell to Army, 24-0, Friday night in their home opener at Franklin Field.

The Quakers moved to 1-2 overall and 0-1 in CSFL South play, while the Black Knights improved to 3-0.

Penn's defense held Army scoreless in the second quarter and recorded two sacks, but the Black Knights controlled the game on the ground, finishing with 238 rushing yards on 55 attempts.

Freshman running back Dante Coury led Penn with 68 yards on 19 carries, while freshman quarterback John Franchini completed 9-of-21 passes for 33 yards. Jack Badner led the receiving end with five catches for 23 yards.

How it Happened
Penn opened the game with a three-play drive before Army took over and marched 51 yards on 12 plays. The Quakers' defense held strong in the red zone, stopping the Black Knights at the Penn nine-yard line on fourth down.
 
After a series of back-and-forth rushes due to heavy rain for both teams, Army managed to break through late in the first quarter. Kyle West took the risk for a pass and found Marek Arbogast for a 54-yard touchdown with 1:52 remaining, giving the Black Knights a 7-0 lead into the second.
 
The Red and Blue weren't able to capitalize on their possession early in the second quarter, giving the ball back into Army hands, but Penn's defense denied any scoring opportunity.
 
The Quakers then took over at their own 48-yard line and drove into Army territory, reaching the 12-yard line before an incomplete pass on fourth down ended the possession.
 
Penn's defense responded with another stop, as Paul Tjoumakaris recorded back-to-back sacks of West to force the Black Knights to punt. The Quakers had one more opportunity before halftime, putting together a 12-play, 36-yard drive that reached the Army 30-yard line. Army again held on fourth down, and the Black Knights held their 7-0 lead into the half.
 
Army extended its lead on the opening drive of the second half, going 65 yards on 12 plays before JP Ross scored on a three-yard touchdown run with 9:33 left in the third quarter.
 
The Black Knights added to their advantage later in the quarter when Nicholas Cueto converted a 31-yard field goal, making it 17-0. Army then carried the momentum into the fourth quarter, completing a 70-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run to push the lead to 24-0.
 
Penn moved the ball 25 yards on its next possession before punting, and Army used its final possession to run out the clock and secure the 24-0 victory.
 
Quaker Notemeal
*Dante Coury led Penn with 68 rushing yards on 19 carries.

*Jack Badner recorded a team-high five receptions for 23 yards.

*Tjoumakaris led Penn's defense with 12 tackles and recorded two sacks for 13 yards.

*Jack Kim also recorded 12 tackles, while Ryan Goodrich and Hugh Maley each added 11.

*Penn finished with 119 total yards, including 86 and 33 passing yards.
 
Up Next
The Quakers continue their campaign with Friday at home on Oct. 9 to face Molloy for another CSFL South game. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.
 
 
For the latest on Penn field hockey, follow @PennFieldHockey on X and on Instagram, and on the web at PennAthletics.com.