FRANKLIN, Ind. -- The Adrian College football team starts the season 3-0 for the first time since 2014 after a road victory over Franklin College. With the help of Jake Kelbert's three rushing touchdown game for the second time this season, the Bulldogs defeated the Grizzlies, 42-21.

The Bulldogs jumped out to a 14-0 lead after the first quarter. Kelbert rushed for 36 yards to score his first touchdown of the day. Later in the quarter, Kelbert connected with Braiden Whitaker in the end zone on a 28-yard pass to lead 14-0. Franklin rallied back and scored back-to-back touchdowns to tie the game 14-14. With 3:46 to go in the first half, Kelbert rushed for 13 yards to score his second touchdown of the game and claim a 21-14 lead at the half.

In the second half, Ethan Abberger added a touchdown on an 8-yard run to lead 28-14. Franklin responded with a touchdown with 4:22 to go in the third to make it a one-score game, again. With 37 seconds to go in the third quarter, Kelbert struck again for his third touchdown run of the game to lead 35-21. Shondel Hardnett added a 21-yard rush in the fourth quarter to close out the 42-21 victory.

Both teams finished the game with 391 yards of total offense with Adrian rushing for 273 yards. Kelbert led the team with 119 yards rushing on nine attempts followed by 90 yards rushing on 13 attempts from Hardnett. Kelbert finished the game 11-for-22 with 121 yards passing. Jalen Wallace led the Bulldogs with 59 yards receiving on six receptions.

On defense, Elijah Hayward and Ethan Layton each finished the game with nine tackles. Seven of Hayward's nine tackles were solo tackles to go with two pass breakups. Dantae Banton finish the game with eight tackles, three tackle for loss, two sacks, and a forced fumble. Waides Ashmon added an interception on the afternoon. Jack Boike finished the day 6-for-6 on extra points.

The Bulldogs will return to action on Saturday, September 28 for Homecoming football. Adrian will host The University of OIivet at 3:00 PM.