SLIPPERY ROCK — The Slippery Rock High School football team allowed a record but got a win Friday night at its home field.

With a combination of stout defense and an explosive offense, the Rockets downed Franklin 35-6 — even though Franklin quarterback Ian Haynes became the District 10 all-time leading in passing yards after throwing for 259 against Slippery Rock.

The senior came into the game needing 231 to break the mark.

Slippery Rock coach Larry Wendereusz said the coverage was lacking early, but the players adapted.

“That's a good quarterback,” Wendereusz said. “I don't think our kids realized how good he was until he stepped on the field. Once they saw some of the things he was doing, I think they adjusted their play to be able to do that.”

Franklin entered the red zone three times in the first half, but the Rockets' defense stopped them, allowing only two field goals.

The Rockets sacked Haynes eight times.

“I think our guys up front took it upon themselves to do something that was pretty special,” Wendereusz said. “Our goal was to try to keep him in the pocket and try to get the pressure on, and I think we did a good job of doing that.”

Franklin head coach Tom Haynes said his offense struggled to adjust to the aggressive Slippery Rock pressure.

“They just outperformed us. Their guys on the front line did a very nice job. They had some creative blitz schemes that we struggled with,” Coach Haynes said. “When your quarterback's running for his life for most of the game, that's kind of what you're dealing with.”

Coach Haynes, who is also Ian Haynes' father, said the record was not what the Knights were focused on.

“If you ask Ian about it, he doesn't care. It would be more about trying to win,” said Coach Haynes.

Slippery Rock (2-1) supplemented their defensive performance with a consistent effort on offense.

Wendereusz said the trio of quarterback Vito Pilosi, running back David Duffalo and running back/receiver Nathan Hyatt were essential staples to the offense.

“Each of them have had their share,” Wendereusz said. “We're going to continue going to the hot hand.”

Wendereusz said Hyatt had a versatile performance in the game highlighted by explosive plays.

“When you're as gifted as he is athletically, you're going to make big plays,” he said. “We try to put him in space to use that athletic ability.”

Hyatt had two touchdowns, ran for 74 yards on five carries and caught four passes for 75 yards.

Hyatt said he felt especially comfortable in his matchup in the passing game.

“They had the linebacker pressing on me, and it was a mismatch the whole game,” he said. “We took advantage of that.”

Hyatt said he feels increasingly comfortable in the offense, despite having to recover from a loss to Reynolds last week.

“As the weeks go on, it keeps getting easier because we keep getting better and better,” Hyatt said.

Franklin 3 3 0 0 — 6

Slippery Rock 7 7 21 0 — 35

First Quarter

F — George Coon 20 field goal, 8:01

SR — Nathan Hyatt 13 pass from Vito Pilosi (Nathaniel Willison kick), 5:15

Second Quarter

F — Coon 24 field goal, 1:029

SR — David Duffalo 50 run (Willison kick), 6:56

Third Quarter

SR — Pilosi 6 run (Willison kick), 9:38

SR — Hyatt 9 run (Willison kick), 7:14

SR — Pilosi 2 run (Willison kick), 2:40

Individual Statistics

Rushing:Franklin, Eli Stewart 10-46, Logan Weckerly 2-14, Ian Haynes 13-12, Raejon King 1-(-1). Slippery Rock, David Duffalo 10-181, Nathan Hyatt 5-74, Vito Pilosi 9-62, Maddox Allen 2-11, Brett Galcik 4-9, Dylan Joyce 1-5.

Passing:Franklin, Ian Haynes 22-40-259-0. Slippery Rock, Vito Pilosi 5-10-77-1.

Receiving:Franklin, Dalton Buckley 13-159, Cade Adams 7-51, Dorian Gordon 1-34e, Stewart 2-15. Slippery Rock, Nathan Hyatt 4-75, Ethan Plesakov 1-2