FRANKLIN, Pa. (EYT/D9) — There was cause for optimism early for the Franklin football team on Saturday night.

(Photo by Richard Sayer/Eight & 322)

Cole Buckley continued his strong season, hauling in a 71-yard touchdown pass from Hunter Marsteller early in the first quarter to tie the game against Mercyhurst Prep at 7-7.

It stayed that way until Laker running back Ja’son Ellman scored on a 24-yard TD run to put Mercyhurst Prep up for good, 14-7, early in the second quarter on the way to a 47-14 win over the Knights.

Franklin Area High School sports coverage on Explore and D9Sports.com is brought to you by Redbank Chevrolet and DuBrook.

Mercyhurst Prep scored two more touchdowns in the second quarter on a 52-yard punt return by Paul Johnson and a 48-yard touchdown pass from David Bahm to Jeremy Ganska for a 27-7 lead at the half.

Marsteller found Bryson Watson on a 20-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter for Franklin to cut the Lakers’ lead to 34-14.

But Mercyhurst Prep put the game away with a pair of touchdowns for the win.

Bahm was 13 of 22 for 217 yards and four touchdown passes.

The Lakers also rushed for 215 yards and a pair of scores.

Franklin Area High School sports coverage on Explore and D9Sports.com is brought to you by Redbank Chevrolet and DuBrook.