GAME DAY INFORMATION
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DATE: Sept, 2, 2023
TIME: 6:00 PM |
LOCATION: Spec Martin Stadium
DeLand, Florida
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GAME DAY LINK
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LIVE STATS
LIVE VIDEO
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THE LEAD
The Stetson University football team returns to the field for the first time in 287 days as they host St. Thomas (Fla.) to open their season. Kickoff is set for 6:00 PM on Saturday, Sept. 2 at Spec Martin memorial Stadium.
INSIDE THE SERIES
This will be the first time in program history that the Hatters will play the St. Thomas Bobcats in football. While they have never played the Bobcats, the Hatters are 7-0 against the Sun Conference. Since 2013, Stetson holds an 7-3 record when playing in season-openers and a 6-2 record in season openers at home. When playing a first time opponent, the Hatters trail 10-12 since the program was revitalized.
SCOUTING THE HATTERS (0-0, 0-0 PFL)
After a competitive 4-6 finish last season, the Stetson Hatters are gearing up for a new season filled with determination and a taste for redemption. Despite the doubters, with a ninth-place projection in the PFL's coaches' poll, these Hatters are ready to embrace their underdog status and prove themselves on the field.
One of the significant changes in their pursuit of excellence has been the addition of seven new coaches, including some with playing experience at the FBS level. These coaching reinforcements aim to strengthen the team's strategy and player development.
Last season, quarterback Brady Meitz burst onto the scene, earning the title of Freshman Offensive Player of the Year. Although not initially recognized in the PFL's preseason team, he has garnered attention from the likes of Phil Steele, who named him a second-team selection. Meitz led the league in passing yards, displaying exceptional decision-making and racking up an impressive 2,548 yards and 17 touchdowns.
But Meitz isn't the only star in the Hatters' constellation. Defensive back Rassie Littlejohn, a First-Team All-PFL selection from the previous season, has already earned first-team honors on both the 2023 Preseason All-Pioneer Football League team and the Phil Steele Preseason Pioneer League Team. Littlejohn was a defensive force, leading the conference in interceptions with seven and showcasing his playmaking abilities.
The Phil Steele Preseason Pioneer League Team also recognized the talent in the Hatters' roster, with receiver Nazeviah Burris earning a spot on the third team. Burris was a crucial offensive weapon, tying for the second-most receptions in the PFL and accumulating 618 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
On special teams, punter Marshall Golick had a standout season. Golick punted the ball 46 times for an impressive total of 1,789 yards. His precision was evident with 14 punts landing inside the 20-yard line, and seven punts going for 50+ yards. His contributions significantly impacted the team's field position battles.
Elijah Workinger, a transfer from Millersville, joins Kaleb Costner, adding depth to the tight end room and bringing versatility to the team.
Looking ahead, the Hatters will build on their successes from last season, including impressive rushing and receiving performances. Jalen Leary and Kaderris Roberts combined for 748 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, while Nazeviah Burris returns after a strong season. Jalen Warthen-Carr and Gabe Atkin are set to see an increased role after Quinton Lane's departure.
Defensively, the team looks solid with Littlejohn's interceptions and Davion Maxwell's impressive tackle count of 69 last season. Josh Hughes bolsters the defensive line after registering three sacks.
With a mix of returning stars and promising newcomers, the Stetson Hatters are primed to make their mark in the upcoming season.
SCOUTING THE BOBCATS (1-0, 0-0 SUN)
The St. Thomas University Football team took the gridiron by storm as they opened the 2023 season with an emphatic victory over the University of Fort Lauderdale Eagles, securing a record-breaking 70-14 win. This dominant performance catapulted them into the spotlight, earning them a #14 ranking in the NAIA football rankings.
The game was marked by outstanding individual performances that highlighted the team's depth and talent. Quarterbacks Ty'Quan Wiggins and Keely Watson combined for 6 completions, amassing 164 yards and 2 touchdowns through the air. On the ground, Junior RB Rontavious Farmer was nothing short of spectacular, racking up a remarkable 141 yards and finding the end zone an astonishing 4 times. Ashton Davis and Khalitri Zow contributed to the aerial assault with impressive receptions, each securing a touchdown. David Hayes also joined the scoring party with his performance.
Defensively, the team showcased their prowess with D'Andre Lake, Omilio Savage, and Nicholas Engler making significant contributions. Lake's 6 total tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks demonstrated his ability to disrupt the opponent's offense. Savage and Engler added their names to the stat sheet with disruptive plays in the backfield, providing valuable support to the defense.
Reflecting on the previous season, St. Thomas University Football finished second in the competitive Sun Conference with a 5-1 conference record, boasting an overall regular season record of 9-2. Their road prowess was evident with a 4-1 record, and they closed the season on a 5-game win streak. The team's offensive prowess was evident, with 48 touchdowns scored, while their defense allowed just 23.
Junior RB Rontavious Farmer, who returns for another season, was a standout last year, earning the title of conference offensive player of the week three times. His impressive 1,553 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns placed him at the top of the Sun Conference, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with on the field.
The Bobcats are led by Head Coach Bill Rychel, who was announced as the first Head Football Coach in St. Thomas University history on October 15th, 2018 following the announcement of the inaugural season. His coaching record at St. Thomas University (STU) stands at 26 wins and 13 losses over three years, with a .667 overall win percentage. In conference play, his record is 14 wins and 9 losses, equating to a .609 win percentage. STU finished the previous season ranked #15 in the NAIA under his leadership.
NEXT UP
The Hatters will stay at home to finish their two game homestand to start the season as they host the Webber International Warriors on Saturday, Sept. 9 at Spec Martin Stadium at 7:00 PM.
WORDS FROM COACH YOUNG
