Haydon & Stambaugh named HCAC Players of the Week

--Defiance, Ohio—DC sophomore defensive back Mike Haydon and junior punter Blake Stambaugh have each been named Heartland Conference Players of the Week for their performances in the Jackets’ 19-14 win at Manchester College.

Haydon (Allen Park, Mich./Allen Park) led the Yellow Jackets to their first win of the season with two interceptions in the fourth quarter, the first setting up the winning score, and the second ending a late Manchester drive at the two-yard line. Haydon also racked up a team-high 13 tackles, including seven solo tackles. He has a team-high 64 tackles and three interceptions this season.

Stambaugh (Swanton, Ohio/Swanton) helped the Yellow Jackets maintain good field position in the win over Manchester College. The junior punter averaged 37.7 yards on seven punts and pinned the Spartans within their own 20-yard line on two occasions. He had a long punt of 54 yards in the game and is now averaging 39.7 yards per punt on the year.

Defiance is now 1-7 overall and 1-4 in the HCAC with their final home game of the 2004 season on Saturday against Bluffton University (4-5, 2-3 HCAC) at 1:00 p.m.