Yellow Jackets Stunned in HCAC Opener at Franklin

FRANKLIN, IND. – The Defiance College football team (0-3 overall, 0-1 HCAC) dropped a 43-12 decision at Franklin (Ind.) College in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference opener at Faught Stadium.

Defiance was led in the contest by freshman, quarterback, Logan Mico (Grosse Point Park, Mich.) with a career-high 256-yards, including one touchdown. Corey Bennett (Tampa, Fla./Blake) led the ground attack rushing for 57-yards. As a team, the Yellow Jackets finished with 256-yards through the air and 113-yards rushing.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Grizzle offense went to work traveling 81-yards on 10 plays to punch in the game's first touchdown, 7-0. The Yellow Jackets answered the call on the following drive as Mico went to work completing 5-of-6 attempts including a 13-yard completion to Shamonde Sanders (Toledo/Whitmer) to put DC on the board, 7-6.

Franklin delivered another strike at the 7:45 minute mark in the second quarter completing a 52-yard pass for a touchdown, 14-6. Defiance pressured late in the quarter as a six-yard rush by Mico landed the Yellow Jackets in Franklin territory before the Grizzlies were able to force a three-an-out.

Defiance finished the first half 20-of-28 through the air for 153 total yards led by Carl Stokes (Merrillville, Ind./East Chicago Central) with five receptions for 35-yards. On the defensive side of the ball, the Yellow Jackets were led by Jerome Davis (Jupiter, Fla.) who forced one fumble.

Franklin wasted little time in the second half as they took the opening kickoff 50-yards on seven plays for the score, 21-6. After forcing a DC turnover-on-downs, the Grizzlies traveled 36-yards on two plays to extend their lead once more, 28-6.

Trailing 35-6 early in the fourth, Defiance was able to punch in its final touchdown going 80-yards on 11 plays. Mico led the drive connecting with Tyler Gillig (Tiffin/Columbian) for the 14-yard score. Franklin delivered the game's final dagger with 3:39 remaining to claim the 43-12 victory.

The Grizzle finished the contest with 578 total yards, including 359 through the air and 219 rushing yards.

The Yellow Jackets return to action Saturday, September 23 at Rose-Hulman. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.