Jackets outdone in defensive opener

WESTERVILLE, Ohio—The Defiance College Yellow Jackets fell to Otterbein College, 0-14, in their season-opener at Westerville South High School on Saturday night.

In a defensive struggle, the DC unit allowed only 15 rushing yards on 28 Cardinal ground attempts. Steven Brancheau led the way with 10 tackles and 2.5 tackles-for-loss including one sack and a blocked kick. Mike Haydon added an interception in the fourth quarter that stopped an Otterbein drive at the Jacket one-yard line, to go along with five stops. Zac Fulmer anchored the staunch Jacket front three with nine tackles, 2.5 for-loss, a sack and a batted pass.

The game remained scoreless until the 3:37 mark of the second quarter when OC QB Paul Stelzer hit Josh Bope on a two-yard third-and-goal roll out for the game's first score. The Cardinals added another Stelzer scoring toss with 1:10 left in the third, this time to wide-out John Conroy.

Offensively, the Jackets struggled in their first live action in their new option attack. Nate Fitton completed 6-of-8 passes for 50 yards with an interception. DC tailback Jason Gendron stepped onto the field for the first time in 22 months, but was met by a tough OC defense, gaining just nine yards on 18 attempts.

Luke Dillon played well at wide receiver, grabbing four passes for 36 yards with a long of 22, while the Jacket offense controlled the ball for 32:50 compared to 27:10 for Otterbein.

Nic Cass and David Lamb each added eight tackles on the defensive side, while Richard Palmer had four tackles, and Tyler Haines added 2.5 tackles-for-loss.

Kieran Johnson led the Cardinal defense with 15 tackles, while Stelzer ended the night with 245 yards through the air on 18-of-34 passing with an interception and the two scores.

The road for the Yellow Jackets does not get any easier. Adrian College will travel to Coressel Stadium next Saturday.

The Bulldogs rolled-up 582 yards of total offense in a 61-14 win at home against Heidelberg on Saturday.

The game can be heard live locally on 1280 AM WONW and on the Internet at www.sportsjuice.com.