Mercer opens year with win by edging Franklin

FRANKLIN, Pa. (WKBN) – Mercer edged Franklin, 8-7, to secure its 8th straight season opening victory.

The Mustangs have finished back-to-back seasons with winning records.

Parker Puskar registered the game’s first score on a 5-yard run midway through the second quarter.

At the end of the first half, Jayden Wilmoth caught a 46-yard touchdown reception to give the Knights the 7-6 advantage heading into the half.

In the final frame, Franklin had a miscue in the backfield that resulted in a safety that gave Mercer a one-point lead (8-7).

Towards the end of the fourth quarter, Franklin had 75-yards to go but was forced to punt the ball away after not being able to move the chains as the Mustang defense stiffened.

Mercer punted the ball back. Franklin took over near midfield but a big play by the Mustang defense held and gave Mercer the 8-7 victory.

Mercer’s Season Opening Win Streak
2024 – Mercer 8 Franklin 7
2023 – Mercer 31 Iroquois 28
2022 – Mercer 38 Iroquois 7
2021 – Mercer 45 Kennedy Catholic 16
2020 – Mercer 46 Kennedy Catholic 6
2019 – Mercer 14 Cochranton 12
2018 – Mercer 21 Cochranton 6
2017 – Mercer 35 Lakeview 33

Next week, the Mustangs return to open the season at home versus Lakeview.

Get updated high school football scores throughout the season on the WKBN scores page.

Track the latest conference battles on the WKBN high school football standings page .

You can also watch interviews and get player profiles from some of the best players in the Valley by visiting the WKBN Big 22 page .

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