Snyder's Career Day Overshadowed in Loss to Franklin

FRANKLIN, Ind. -- Keith Snyder tied a Defiance College single-game record with three interceptions and Luke Dillon added two more records, but it was not enough to keep pace with a potent Franklin squad. The No. 21 Grizzlies ended DCs HCAC title hopes by handing the Jackets a 55-22 loss on Saturday.

Franklin reached the end zone three times in the opening quarter to build a 21-3 lead and Defiance would never get any closer than 12 points from that point on. Lewis Caralla, Luke Dillon and Christopher Khoma all recorded touchdowns for DC in the loss.

The Jackets had no trouble moving the ball on the ground, as they averaged over eight yards per carry en route to 233 rushing yards. Caralla led the way with 109 yards and a score, while Hans Vetter rushed for 98 yards on nine carries and David Thornton added 26 yards on six touches.

Dillon led all DC players with six catches for 78 yards and a touchdown. With that performance, Dillon took sole possession of the all-time DC receiving record with 27 career touchdowns and set the schools single-season mark with 89 receptions. The standout senior will try for two more records in his final collegiate game, as he needs 24 yards and two touchdowns against Bluffton to break both single-season records.

Snyder piled up 10 tackles to lead all players and also forced a fumble to go with his trio of interceptions. Snyders first interception came early in the first quarter and his 20-yard return led to an eventual Yellow Jacket field goal which trimmed the deficit to 7-3.

The junior then picked off his second pass of the game to end the second quarter and keep the Grizzlies from earning their seventh score of the opening half. Snyders third interception came late in the fourth quarter and led to DCs third touchdown of the game.

R.J. Chidester also forced a fumble and recorded nine tackles and Dustin Supan and Travis Guisinger each added six hits. Chris Tietje had the only tackle for lost yardage on the day for Defiance and totaled four stops.

Defiance (5-4, 4-2 HCAC) will close out its 2007 campaign with a home game against Bluffton on Nov. 10. Kick-off inside Coressel Stadium is set for 1:00 pm.