Rindge, N.H. — It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t easy. But when the final whistle blew at Sodexo Field, the Kentucky State Thorobreds walked off the field with something that means everything a win.
The Breds edged Franklin Pierce 17–14 in a cold, hard-fought battle that tested their heart as much as their helmets. This wasn’t the high-scoring showcase fans saw in earlier weeks. This one was about grit, defense, and composure under pressure.
After traveling over 1,000 miles to the unfamiliar setting of New Hampshire, KSU came out strong. Running back Denim Johnson carried the load all afternoon, rushing for nearly 200 yards and setting the tone for a physical offense. Every yard felt earned, nothing came easy against Franklin Pierce’s front seven.
KSU struck first and stayed patient, building a 14–7 halftime lead behind tough runs and key third-down conversions from Chad Elzy and Joshua Thomas Jr.. But the second half turned into a defensive slugfest. The Thorobreds’ offense found themselves in a grind, and suddenly the game tightened late in the fourth.
That’s when Kentucky State’s defense and their will showed up. Facing back-to-back possessions deep in their own territory, the Breds came up with stops that sealed it. Whether it was a pass breakup on third down or the pressure that forced a bad throw, the defense refused to break.
“We’ve been talking all week about finishing,” one player said postgame. “It don’t matter how far we travel we’ve got to bring that same KSU energy with us everywhere.”
The final score 17–14 doesn’t show the miles, the fatigue, or the fight. But for this Kentucky State team, it was proof that championship caliber programs win even when conditions aren’t ideal. They’re now 6–2 overall and 5–1 in conference, carrying serious momentum as they head back home to finish strong.
For head coach and players alike, this game wasn’t just another W. It was a lesson in toughness mental, physical, and emotional. On the road, in unfamiliar territory, the Thorobreds reminded everyone what they’re made of: heart, pride, and brotherhood.
Final: Kentucky State 17, Franklin Pierce 14
Record: KSU (6–2, 5–1 SIAC)
