Box Score DeLAND, Fla. - In the final game of the 2023 season, the Stetson Hatters hosted the San Diego Toreros on Senior Day, aiming for a their first ever win against them. However, despite a valiant effort, the Hatters concluded their season with a 47-20 loss, finishing with a 3-8 record.

The game began with Stetson winning the toss and choosing to defer, looking to make a statement on their Senior Day. The Hatters' defense started strong, forcing San Diego off the field after seven plays. However, after passes to Kaleb Costner and Gabe Atkin, an unfortunate turn occurred as a tipped pass resulted in a 30-yard interception return for a touchdown by the Toreros.

Stetson's offense, led by starting quarterback Brady Meitz, showed promise with three consecutive completions to Atkin, all over ten yards. Despite the initial momentum, the drive stalled, and the Hatters turned the ball over on downs.

San Diego capitalized on their next possession with an 11-play, 67-yard drive, concluding it with a 5-yard touchdown rush early in the second quarter. Meitz responded with an impressive 39-yard run, the longest rush by a Hatter all season, putting Stetson in the red zone. Unfortunately, the drive yielded no points as the 32-yard field goal attempt went wide.

The Toreros extended their lead with a 21-yard field goal, prompting the Hatters to look for an answer. On the following drive, Meitz connected with crossing Ronnel Johnson for a 62-yard touchdown reception, bringing Stetson within 10 points.

Over the next four possessions, both teams struggled to score, including a turnover on downs by Stetson and a missed 44-yard field goal by San Diego. Heading into halftime, the Hatters trailed 17-7.

In the second half, Stetson made a crucial defensive play, forcing a fumble on the first play of a San Diego drive that started at their own 26-yard line. Two plays later, Meitz found running back Donovan Shepard in the flat for a 19-yard touchdown, narrowing the deficit to 17-13.

Despite a strong defensive stand by Rassie Littlejohn on fourth and 1, the Toreros regained possession with a strip sack at the 8-yard line, leading to a quick touchdown. An intentional grounding call in the Stetson end zone then resulted in a safety, making the score 26-13.

In the fourth quarter, San Diego continued to extend their lead with another rushing touchdown, bringing the score to 33-13. However, the Hatters struggled with turnovers, giving up another interception.

San Diego continued to break ahead in the game with a touchdown pass, but Stetson responded with an 8-play, 64-yard drive, featuring deep passes to Atkin and Johnson. The freshman Johnson found the end zone for the second time in the game, flashing his potential.

The ensuing onside kick was then returned for a touchdown by San Diego, solidifying their 47-20 victory. Despite a late attempt by Stetson, including a 43-yard gain to Johnson, an interception ultimately sealed their fate.

Atkin and Johnson each racked over 100 yards receiving, the former catching eight passes for 101 yards. Johnson, a freshman, caught nine passes for 155 yards, both team season-highs, and caught two touchdowns.

About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program is driven by a shared purpose. It is what inspires, motivates and binds us together. More than a task, a reason for being. THE HATTER PURPOSE is to create and provide an experience of a lifetime through teamwork and relationships to achieve excellence. This purpose is achieved through five Core Values: Communication, Integrity, Excellence, Value People and Commitment. To learn more about the HATS program and our Core Values, visit GoHatters.com/HATS.

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