For the second consecutive day, the Stetson football team took to the practice fields at the Athletic Training Center in full pads, in the heat of the day, on Wednesday.
 
Unlike Tuesday's session, however, the Hatters remained focused and crisp throughout the two hour session.
 
As usual, the highlights from the practice came late when the full offense and defense got together for head-to-head team drills. Much of the time during those session the team went live with full contact.
 
Early on during the team periods, the defense had the upper hand, with the defensive line getting consistent pressure on the quarterbacks and the defensive backs knocking away any passes that were thrown.
 
As the session wore on, however, the offense started to gain traction. Working from the 25 yard line going in, the Hatters were able to pick up first downs and find the end zone on numerous possessions. When the offense struggled, the kicking game stepped up and knocked down every field goal attempt.
 
After a period of red zone work, the units switched sides, working on punting from the back of the end zone and then on coming out from the goal line.
 
Sophomore punter Matias Gasc was able to get several kicks away with his back against the goal line, but the defense did get a hand on one of the kicks.
 
Once the offense hit the field, the Hatters were able to break out for positive yardage to get out of the hole with a first down run by Bryce Blackmon on the first try.
 
It was the next two possessions from the goal line that really stood out for the offense and caused angst for the defense. After a false start penalty put the ball at the one, senior Matt Taft sliced through the defense and went on a 99-yard touchdown run that included several nifty moves far down the field to avoid being tackled.
 
After the entire offense raced to the far end to celebrate, the players all returned for another try with a first down coming out from the two.
 
Just one play after getting burned for a long run, junior Gaven DeFilippo pulled the ball out and threw over the top of the defense, connecting with 6-9 tight end Donald Parham for a 98-yard touchdown.
 
The Hatters will be back at work, in full gear, at 2 p.m. tomorrow as they continue to get ready for Saturday night's scrimmage at Spec Martin Stadium. The scrimmage is scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. start.
 
Stetson will open the 2018 campaign on Saturday evening, September 1, when the Hatters host Point University. That game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start.
 
Season tickets for the 2018 season are available through the Stetson Athletics Ticket Office with prices starting at just $99 for individual tickets. Family plans, which include four tickets and parking, are available for just $200, which comes to less than $10 per game, with parking.
 
Call 386-822-4287 or visit GoHatters.com and click on the tickets link for more information.
 
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.