GAME DAY INFORMATION
|
DATE: Sept, 23, 2023
TIME: 12:00 PM EST |
LOCATION: Spec Martin Memorial Stadium
DeLand, Florida
|
|
GAME DAY LINK
|
LIVE STATS
LIVE VIDEO
|
|
|
|
THE LEAD
The Stetson Hatters makes their return to Spec Martin Stadium as they prepare to face the Butler Bulldogs this Saturday, September 23rd, at noon, marking the start of their conference play. The Hatters, with a 2-1 record to kick off the season, are back on home turf after a challenging 20-57 encounter against the formidable #3 Montana State Bobcats in their last outing on the road.
INSIDE THE SERIES
Stetson has a history with the Butler Bulldogs that spans five matchups, with the Hatters holding a 1-4 all-time record against their adversaries. The most recent clash, which took place on October 5, 2019, saw kicker Jonny Messina's heroics as he sent the Hatters home with a walk-off field goal, securing a thrilling 30-27 victory. In their encounters with the Bulldogs, Stetson has tallied a total of 115 points, averaging 23 points per game.
SCOUTING THE HATTERS (2-1, 0-0 PIONEER)
Stetson Football is off to a strong start in the 2023 season, sporting a 2-1 record in their early matchups. Their season began with an electrifying overtime victory over the St. Thomas Bobcats, winning 34-33, setting the tone for an exciting season ahead. They continued with a solid 10-point victory against the Warriors in Week 2. However, their first loss of the season came at the hands of #3 Montana State, with a score of 20-57.
Kaderris Roberts and Kaleb Costner were able to find the end zone with a rushing touchdown each in the game against Montana State. The dependable leg of Daniel Holbrook also played a crucial role by contributing to the team's scoring with a pair of successful field goals during that contest to maintain his perfect record.
As for the season's performance, Roberts has emerged as a standout workhorse in the backfield, amassing 264 rushing yards and scoring four touchdowns, tying for the most in the PFL. His consistent performance sees him averaging an impressive 88 yards per game. The receiving corps, led by Nazeviah Burris, Gabe Atkin, and Jalon Warthen-Carr, has all contributed significantly, each recording over 100 receiving yards. Notably, Burris leads the PFL in all-purpose yards, amassing 241 receiving yards, 14 rushing yards, and 120 kick return yards.
Defensively, the Hatters have been equally impressive. Nicholas Lerew has been a tackling machine, racking up 31 total tackles. Diego Davis, who was named PFL Defensive Player of the Week in Week 2, has been a force to be reckoned with, boasting 28 tackles along with four tackles for loss, two sacks, and two forced fumbles. The secondary has also made significant plays, with Jaylon Johnson and David Stubbs both securing interceptions, and Davion Maxwell forcing a crucial fumble against Montana State, which was recovered by Rassie Littlejohn.
SCOUTING THE BULLDOGS (2-1, 0-0 PIONEER)
The Butler Bulldogs have entered the 2023 season with notable contributors making their presence felt on both sides of the field. Bret Bushka has led the team's passing attack, averaging 215.3 yards per game. In the rushing department, Jyran Mitchell has been a key asset, averaging 94.3 yards per game, while Ethan Loss has been a reliable receiving target with an average of 65.6 yards per game. Defensively, Nick Bafia has also been a tackling machine, leading the team with 29 tackles, and Danny Orgler has made a significant impact with 3.5 sacks.
They opened the season with a tough road game against #14 Montana, where they faced a formidable opponent and ultimately fell short with a score of 20-35. However, Butler quickly rebounded, demonstrating their resilience in subsequent games. On September 9th, they secured a convincing victory over Taylor, triumphing with a score of 41-13. On September 16th, in their game against Wabash, Butler showcased their offensive prowess, tallying an impressive 47-21 victory.
Nick Bafia's exceptional performance in Week 3 earned him recognition as the PFL Defensive Player of the Week. Additionally, Danny Orgler's remarkable performance in the same week included 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and three tackles for loss.
In their recent game against Wabash, Butler displayed their offensive firepower, amassing 442 yards of total offense while also capitalizing on a safety and a defensive touchdown to secure a decisive 47-21 victory. Bret Bushka's precision as a passer was evident, as he leads the PFL in completion percentage, completing 13 of 18 pass attempts for 198 yards and two touchdowns.
Luka Zurak, the team's kicker, has been a reliable contributor, leading all PFL kickers in scoring with 28 points. Zurak maintains a perfect record of 13-for-13 on PATs and a 5-for-6 record on field goals.
WORDS FROM HEAD COACH BRIAN YOUNG
NEXT UP
The Hatters will hit the road for a two-game roadtrip starting with Poughkeepsie, N.Y. to take on the Marist Red Foxes on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 12:00 PM.
