Turnovers were a point of emphasis for the Stetson football squad going into Saturday's game against Presbyterian at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium.
 
The message will continue to be reinforced after the visiting Blue Hose used a pair of interception returns for touchdowns to hand the Hatters a 26-3 loss in front of 701 fans.
 
The two pick sixes for Presbyterian were bolstered by a kickoff return for a touchdown in the first quarter.
 
Those three plays hid the fact that the Stetson (0-3) defense played brilliantly all afternoon, keeping the visitors' offense out of the end zone. The Blue Hose managed just 284 yards of total offense, the fewest yards Presbyterian (2-3) has gained in any game this spring.
 
The Hatters' defense was led by senior defensive end Fermon Reid, who had a career-high 13 tackles, including a new Stetson modern era record six tackles for loss and three sacks. Junior linebacker Majeste' Hansberry added nine tackles and had 1.5 sacks.
 
As a team, the Hatters registered 7.0 sacks to set a new Stetson modern era record for most sacks in one game. In addition to Reid's 3.0 and Hansberry's 1.5, the Hatters also got sacks from redshirt junior Greg Moore, and half sacks from redshirt junior Hunter Stephens, redshirt sophomore linebacker Ethan Hull and graduate defensive end Nolan DeFranco.
 
Stetson took a 3-0 lead in the first quarter on a 33-yard field goal by Cameron Gillis, but the lead was short-lived. Blue Hose defensive back Oka Emmanwori  returned the ensuing kickoff 88 yards for the first of three non-offensive touchdowns on the day.
 
Presbyterian added to its lead with a 33-yard field goal from kicker Patrick Maddrey for a 10-3 lead with less than five minutes left in the half.
 
That was when Presbyterian sophomore defensive back Jeffrey Smyth made his presence felt. He recorded the first of his two interceptions at the Stetson 30 and went untouched for a touchdown. The Blue Hose missed the PAT, but took a 16-3 lead into halftime.
 
Smyth struck a second time late in the third quarter, this time with a 52-yard interception return for a score. Maddrey put the final points on the board with a 21-yard field goal with 8:46 remaining in the game.
 
Notwithstanding the two turnovers and the kickoff return, the game was close, statistically. The Blue Hose held a slim 284 to 248 edge in total yards, including a 166 to 74 advantage in the passing game. The Hatters outgained Presbyterian 174-118 on the ground.
 
Stetson's running game was led by sophomore Jordan Younge-Humphrey with 96 yards on 11 carries, while sophomore running back Jalen Leary added 56 yards on 21 carries.
 
The Blue Hose offense was led by redshirt freshman running back Delvecchio Powell II with 82 yards on 15 carries. Sophomore quarterback Tyler Huff completed 11-of-22 passes for 166 yards, while senior wide receiver Keith Pearson caught six passes for 91 yards.
 
Presbyterian's defense was led by senior linebacker Colby Campbell with 14 tackles, including one of three Blue Hose sacks. Smyth had seven tackles, two for loss including a sack, to go with his two interception returns for touchdowns.
 
The Hatters will be back in action next Saturday, April 10, at San Diego, which saw its 40-game win streak in the Pioneer Football league snapped by Davidson. Kickoff at Torero Stadium is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET.

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.