FRANKLIN, Mass.- In front of a packed Lippert Field crowd on Dean College Homecoming Weekend. the Bulldogs football squad fought valiantly, but eventually fell to Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) foe Gallaudet University, 23-6.

Gallaudet drove the ball down the field on the opening possession, converting a five play 44 yard drive, after recovering a pooched kick to start the game, into a six yard touchdown run from Dre'Vaughn Mackall.  After a series of punts from both teams, and a Dean interception in the corner of the zone by fIrst-year linebacker Elijah Walker (Upper Marlboro, Md.), the first quarter ended without any more points scored. Midway through the second period, the Bison blocked a Trevor Kuchieski (Greenfield, Mass.) punt in the endzone, sending the ball flying out the back of the playing field for a safety and an 8-0 lead. In the final minutes of the half, the Bison extended their advantage with an 18 yard touchdown run by Zion Ortiz for a 15-0 halftime lead.

The Bulldog defense settled in the second half, stopping multiple Bison drives and keeping the visitors off the scoreboard. Dean's defense was led by senior linebacker Joe Penton (Manassas Park, Va.), who finished with a game-high 16 tackles, including two for loss. In the final minute of the third quarter, the Bulldogs got on the board on a highlight reel play, as junior Christian Donalson (Albany, Ga.) scooped a muffed punt and bulldozed 28 yards to the end zone for the touchdown. The touchdown was Donalson's first of his career and Dean's first on special teams this year. The Bulldogs missed the ensuing extra point, however, failing to capitalize on a chance to turn the game into a one-score contest. After a Bulldog turnover early in the fourth, the Bison put the game away with an insurance touchdown on a two yard run by Brandon Washington. 

In addition to Penton's big day, sophomore Isaac Dorlean (Miramar, Fla.) finished with eight tackles, while Walker and senior Noah Pearson (Tilton, N.H.) recorded seven. Junior Jerney Price (San Antonio, Texas ) had three tackles and a forced fumble, while both Kai Reeves (Boston, Mass.) and Corey Leverette (McDonough, Ga.) added a sack.

Dean is back in action next week when they travel to Anna Maria for 12:00 p.m. ECFC kickoff.