The Stetson University football team held its first of three spring scrimmages on Saturday at the Athletic Training Center.
 
The offensive and defensive sides competed for more than 100 minutes and covered various plays, including 4-down drives and situational plays which included possessions that started from the defensive 25 yard line and the offensive team's goal line.
 
In the end, the offensive side of the ball scored two touchdowns and booted a pair of field goals. The defensive side never allowed the offense to score on any 4-down possessions, while earning a safety on a tackle for a loss on a drive the offense started on its own 1-yard line.
 
Quarterback Colin McGovern got the first team snaps on offense and completed six passes for 61 yards. Cole Martin led the second unit and completed nine passes for 106 yards. He also threw the offense's lone touchdown pass, a 20-yard throw to tight end Donald Parham. Nick Andreas also saw action behind center and completed four passes for 37 yards.
 
Twelve different offensive players made at least one catch on the afternoon. Austin Perlman led the way with three catches for 34 yards, while fullback Grant Hodges caught three passes for 25 years. Jeremiah Nails added two receptions for 22 yards.
 
Bryce Blackmon led the ground attack on offense, carrying the ball nine times for a team-high 47 yards. Meanwhile Arkee Brown ran the ball 13 times for 45 yards and a touchdown. Overall, the running game amassed 142 yards.
 
On defense, the Hatters forced the offense into four turnovers, which included two fumble recoveries and two interceptions. Eric Martin had a big afternoon, leading the way with five tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery. Colby Duncan added a game-high six tackles, while Chancellor Jackson contributed five tackles. Jamieson Craske added four tackles and two sacks while Jeb Boudreaux added four tackles and a fumble recovery.
 
"I am pleased with what I have seen on the defensive line," Hatters coach Roger Hughes said. "Our defensive line, we think, is going to be one of the strengths of our team because we have a majority of them back. We expect them to pick up where they left off.
 
"Right now we have a few guys on the offensive line who are injured, so our younger guys are trying to pick up a lot of things. Our defense is so multiple and so movement oriented, sometimes it confuses us because they don't have a lot of experience. That is why we do spring ball, to get that kind of experience."
 
Saturday's scrimmage also officially marked the first time the Hatters football program played without any of its original members from its inaugural season of 2012, making the Hatters no longer a new program.
 
"As coaches, it's kind of weird because it's like your sons, they grow up and go away, and all of a sudden you have half an empty nest," Hughes said. "The nice thing is it gives an opportunity for our young guys to step up and make it their team. I am seeing a want and a need from them to step up and make it their team."
 
Stetson will have another scrimmage next Saturday, April 15, at 2 p.m. at the Athletic Training Center, before its Spring Game on April 22, at 6 p.m. at Spec Martin Stadium. Both events are open to the public and free of charge.
 
SCRIMMAGE STATS
 
Passing: Colin McGovern 6-61-0; Cole Martin 9-106-1; Nick Andreas 4-37-0
 
Receiving: Jeremiah Nails 2-22; Austin Perlman 3-34; Grant Hodges 3-25; Walker Richards 1-3; Kendall Ragin 1-14; Luke McDermott 1-15; Chase Blackmon 1-4; Tony Gilotti 1-10; Kyle Godlewski 1-21; Dominic Digioia 1-9; Donald Parham 1-20
 
Rushing: Arkee Brown 13-45; Bryce Blackmon 9-47; Chase Blackmon 10-21; Tony Gilotti 2-5; Grant Hodges 1-2; Colin McGovern 3-11; Cole Martin 4-11
 
Field Goals: Matthew Sweeney 1-1, long 39; Jonny Messina 1-1, long 21
 
PAT: Matthew Sweeney 1-1; Jonny Messina 1-1
 
Defense
 
Tackles: Colby Duncan 6; Eric Martin 5; Chancellor Jackson 5; Juan O'Neal 5; Jeb Boudreaux 4; Jamison Craske 4; JJ Henderson 4; Tyler Mirabella 4; Gerardo Rodriguez Olmo 4; Conrad Fonseca 3; Richard Stanzione 3; Peter Katz 3; Regis Steighner 3; Cole Dunagan 2; Conrad Fonseca 2; Reggie Gantt 2; Bryan Jordan 2; Jacob Rovig 2; Nic Sylvia 2; Shayne White 2; Antonio Andrews 1; Rob Armand 1; Jacob Boerboom 1; Jackie Jay Johnson 1; Nick Kryvicky 1; Peter Linder 1; Zane Smith 1; George Tsiouklas 1; Garland Woodruff 1
 
Sacks: Jamison Craske 2; Jake Bartha 1; Colby Duncan 1; Chris Hawkins 1
  
About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program has a vision of developing a culture of champions athletically, academically and within the community. This vision is accomplished through a mission of recruiting and developing student-athletes, coaches and staff, creating a culture of champions, within and outside of competition. The department operates with five core values: Championship Culture, Integrity, Excellence, Pride/Tradition and Leadership. To learn more about the Vision, Mission and Core Values for Stetson Athletics, visit GoHatters.com and click on Mission Statement under the Inside Athletics tab.