VALPARAISO, Ind. - Stetson football faced off against the Valparaiso Beacons in Indiana, in a hard-fought match on Saturday, November 11, at Brown Field,. The game, which went into overtime, ended with a narrow 20-23 defeat for the Hatters.

The initial regulation period was marked by both teams struggling to gain momentum, resulting in a scoreless draw by the end of the first quarter. Stetson won the toss but deferred to the Beacons. Although both teams went three and out, the Hatters benefited on a fortunate turn of events when Kyle Elphick recovered a fumble on a Beacons' punt return. Despite the recovery, Stetson couldn't capitalize, leading to a punt. However, Davion Maxwell's interception on third down quickly gave the ball back to the Hatters.

The first points of the game came after a 44-yard pass to Donovan Shepard set up a 25-yard field goal by Brandon Bush. Stetson's defense continued to shine, with CJ Davis intercepting a pass in the second quarter. This led to a 7-play, 48-yard drive culminating in a 4-yard touchdown rush by Devon Brewer. Rassie Littlejohn's interception at the Stetson 13-yard line further solidified the Hatters' defensive showcase, setting a record for the most interceptions since 2013.

As halftime approached, the Hatters aimed to go into the break with a 10-0 lead. However, a blocked punt by the Beacons, returned for a touchdown, narrowed the gap to 10-7. The back-and-forth continued in the second half, with Valparaiso eventually taking the lead with a 1-yard touchdown. Stetson responded as Brewer scored on a 1-yard touchdown, his second of the game, while Brady Meitz found Elijah Workinger and Aanjay Feliciano for big gains, putting the Hatters ahead 17-10 by the end of the third quarter.

The final quarter commenced with a crucial defensive stop by the Hatters, denying the Beacons on 4th and 2. Stetson mounted a drive, highlighted by completions to Ronnel Johnson, that resulted in a game-tying 41-yard field goal by Bush.  Driving down the field, the Beacons decided to go for it on 4th down at the Stetson 36 as the Hatters defense recorded a crucial sack to send the game to overtime.

In overtime, the Beacons secured the victory with a 34-yard field goal, while Stetson's attempt on fourth and long fell incomplete. Despite a strong effort, Stetson (3-7, 1-6) fell short, managing 263 yards of total offense.

Meitz showcased a solid performance, going 15-of-28 passing for 203 yards. Brewer led the rushing attack with 33 yards and two touchdowns, along with 3 receptions for 34 yards. Shepard's 44-yard catch was a highlight, and Feliciano contributed with 3 receptions for 43 yards. Maxwell, Davis, and Littlejohn recorded interceptions, while Nicholas Lerew was credited with a sack. Lerew and Maxwell led the team with nine tackles each.

Looking ahead, Stetson will conclude the 2023 season at home, hosting the San Diego Toreros on November 18 at noon.