Box Score DELAND, Fla. - Stetson clashed with the Davidson Wildcats on Saturday afternoon in a high-scoring showdown at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium that resulted in a 61-41 loss, despite Stetson achieving a season-high in points scored.

The action began with the Hatters receiving the opening kickoff after winning the coin toss but were unable to move the ball. Davidson struck first taking an early 7-0 lead through successful ground play. However, Stetson responded with graduate quarterback Matt O'Connor connecting with runningback Devon Brewer for a 56-yard pass on a wheel route down the left sideline before finding Jalon Warthen-Carr for a 5-yard score, leveling the game at 7.

Davidson regained the lead after driving 88 yards in 11 plays, capping their drive off with a 1-yard touchdown rush to put them ahead 14-7 to end the first quarter.

The second quarter continued the intense back-and-forth. Davidson extended their lead with another rushing touchdown, answered by O'Connor's pass to Gabe Atkin for a 13-yard touchdown.

Defensive back Davion Maxwell then caused a Wildcat fumble on Davidson's first play of their ensuing drive, switching momentum to the Hatters favor. It was his third forced fumble of the season and led to a 24-yard field goal by Brandon Bush, reducing the deficit to 21-17.

The Stetson defense came up big once again, stopping the Davidson offense on fourth and 2 at the Davidson 41 for a turnover on downs. However, a Davidson interception led to a lengthy Wildcat touchdown rush, leaving the score at 27-17. Both teams exchanged field goals in their next two drives with the Hatters' attempt coming from 43 yards out.

Another Hatters turnover, this time an interception under duress, was returned 47 yards before the Wildcats capped it off with a quick touchdown rush as the Hatters trailed 37-20 heading into the half.

After beginning the closing half with possession, the Wildcats capitalized quickly in the third quarter, scoring two more touchdowns, extending their lead to 51-20. Despite Stetson's efforts through the air, including long gains from Warthen-Carr and Ronnel Johnson, Davidson's defense came away with an interception at the 1-yard line. After a defensive stand, the Hatters rallied as Brady Meitz entered the game, throwing a 38-yard touchdown to Kaleb Costner on his first attempted pass.

The fourth quarter saw Davidson maintain their lead, but Meitz brought Stetson back into contention with two touchdown passes, reducing the gap to 61-41, which would be the final tally. Meitz found Aanjay Feliciano for a 46-yd touchdown down the right sideline and then Johnson for a 3-yard score.

Despite the loss, O'Connor completed 16 of 31 passes for 248 yards, contributing two touchdowns but also accounting for three turnovers. Meitz, who entered the game in relief, went 10 of 13 for 153 yards, securing three touchdowns.

Warthen-Carr led the team in rushing with 20 yards on 4 carries. Johnson snagged 5 receptions for a season-high 105 yards and a touchdown, including a long reception of 44 yards. Feliciano caught 4 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown, while Brewer grabbed 7 passes for 79 yards. Defensively, Maxwell led the team with 14 total tackles and a forced fumble, with three other Hatters, including season tackle-leader Nicholas Lerew, each recording 10+ tackles.

Stetson will hit the road next week for their final away game against Valparaiso at Brown Field on Nov. 11 with the game to be broadcast on ESPN+.



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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