Allen, Zajac and Stambaugh rank nationally

DEFIANCE, Ohio—Gary Allen ranks in the top-10 in NCAA Division III kick-off return average, while Kris Zajac (sacks) and Blake Stambaugh (punting average) also appear in the top NCAA lists.

Allen (Richland, Mich.- Gull Lake HS), who returned a kick off 80-yards for the game-winning touchdown in Saturday’s 29-26 win over Bethany College, the sophomore ranks seventh with an average of 34.6 yards-per-return. Allen has five returns for a total of 176 yards in three games.

Zajac (Grosse Ile, Mich.- Grosse Ile HS), a senior, recorded 4.0 sacks on Saturday, a Heartland Conference season high. The Grosse Ile, Michigan native now ranks 22nd nationally with an average of 1.3 sacks-per-game. Zajac also had 18 tackles against Bethany and has totaled 23 stops on the year.

Stambaugh (Swanton, Ohio- Swanton HS) ranks 45th in the nation with a 38.4-yard average-per-punt. The senior has a long punt of 51 yards and has pinned DC opponents inside the 20 four times.

The DC defense also appears among the NCAA’s best, ranking 43rd in run defense, giving up an average of just 84.0 yards-per-game.

The Jackets have a bye this week and will travel to Case Western Reserve on October 1 for a 6:00 p.m. kick off.