DELAND, Fla. - In the game between the Stetson Hatters and the visiting Butler Bulldogs, which took place on Saturday, Sept. 23 at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium in DeLand, Fla., the Bulldogs emerged victorious with a final score of 28-18. This game marked the first conference match of the season. 

The first quarter of the game was characterized by a gritty defensive battle and ended in a scoreless tie. The Hatters received the ball first but had a challenging start, with their first run resulting in a five-yard loss. Despite an eight-yard rush by Devon Brewer, the Hatters were unable to sustain their drive and were forced to punt the ball away. The Hatters' defense stepped up, managing to force a 3-and-out on the Bulldogs' ensuing possession.

Unfortunately for Stetson, their offense struggled to get anything going, going three-and-out themselves after a penalty on the first down set them back. After a punt, the Butler Bulldogs appeared to have completed a significant play down the right field line, but it was nullified by a penalty for an illegal man downfield. The Hatters' defense held strong, and after a short pass to Gabe Atkin, Stetson finally managed to secure their first first-down of the game with less than five minutes remaining in the first quarter, courtesy of a nine-yard rush by Kaderris Roberts.

However, the Hatters' offense continued to face challenges, and punter Marshall Golick was forced to punt once again, despite a completion to Nazeviah Burris. The first quarter concluded with Butler in possession of the ball, embarking on a lengthy drive that culminated with them facing a critical 4th-and-1 situation as the quarter came to an end.

In the second quarter of the game, the Bulldogs managed to take the lead. Despite a valiant effort by the Hatters' defense, the Bulldogs broke through with a two-yard touchdown rush by their quarterback, putting them ahead on the scoreboard.

Stetson's offense continued their slow start, going three and out on their subsequent possession and giving the ball back to the Bulldogs. Butler capitalized on this opportunity, scoring on their following possession with a 28-yard touchdown run.

However, the Hatters' offense began to find some rhythm later in the quarter. They put together a sustained drive that included several successful passes of nine or more yards to Atkin. Despite their efforts, Butler's defense held strong in the red zone, forcing the Hatters to settle for a field goal attempt. Unfortunately for Stetson, the 40-yard field goal attempt was unsuccessful, as the kick was pushed to the left, leaving the Hatters trailing by a score of 14-0.

The second half of the game started with Butler in possession of the ball. They began their drive with three commendable runs, but their momentum was halted by an illegal formation penalty that stalled their offense. Although the Stetson offense couldn't find a way to put up points at that moment, their defense provided a much-needed spark.

Stetson's defensive back, Rassie Littlejohn, made a game-changing play by jumping a pass and intercepting the ball at the 30-yard line. He then returned it to the endzone, cutting the deficit to 7 points.

After the defense forced the Butler offense off the field, Stetson had an opportunity to capitalize. However, things took a dramatic turn as Butler managed to intercept a pass, which was tipped at the line during the drive, in a diving catch. Just two plays later, the Bulldogs took advantage of the turnover with a 58-yard touchdown rush.

Unfortunately for Stetson, their offensive struggles continued into the next drive, as another pass was broken up and intercepted in another diving effort by the Butler defense.

In the fourth quarter of the game, Stetson, trailing 21-7, began their comeback attempt. They regained possession after Ezekiel Romero flushed the Butler quarterback out of the pocket on fourth down, and Diego Davis swatted the pass, resulting in a turnover on downs to end the third quarter.

Stetson's offense put together a methodical drive that lasted five minutes and included 11 plays. The drive culminated in a successful 39-yard field goal by freshman kicker Daniel Holbrook, bringing the score to 21-10.

The Hatters' defense continued to step up, with Tyler Lewis and Jaylon Johnson combining for a sack on third down to force a Butler punt. With 5:45 left in the game, Stetson embarked on an impressive 90-yard drive down the field, highlighted by a 35-yard rush by Roberts. The drive concluded with a touchdown pass from Brady Meitz to Atkin on a crossing route to the left side of the goal line. Stetson successfully converted a two-point conversion, with Meitz rushing to the left and lateraling to Burris, who fought his way into the endzone with an outreached stretch, bringing the score to 21-18.

Despite a promising onside kick attempt, Butler sealed the victory with a 43-yard touchdown rush with just 1:46 left in the game. After that, Brewer returned the kickoff for 25 yards, but a personal foul penalty added on to it. With limited time remaining, the Hatters tried for a quick score, but a QB hurry led to a final interception, which was returned 64 yards before being pushed out of bounds.

The Bulldogs held on to win the game 28-18, handing the Hatters a 2-2 record for the season and a 0-1 record in conference play.

Roberts led the Stetson backfield with 16 carries for 62 yards, providing a consistent presence in the running game. In the passing game, Atkin was a key target, catching 8 passes for 83 yards and scoring a touchdown, while Nazeviah Burris also contributed with 4 receptions for 67 yards, helping to move the chains for the Hatters. Atkins achieved career highs in both receiving yards and receptions.

On the defensive side of the ball, Rassie Littlejohn was a standout, leading the team in tackles and making a significant impact with his 14th career interception. This achievement puts him just two interceptions shy of tying Chris Atkins for the most since 2013. Additionally, Littlejohn forced a fumble during the game, although the ball unfortunately bounced out of bounds, allowing Butler to retain possession.

Stetson's next game will be on the road as they head to Poughkeepsie, NY on Sept. 30 to take on the Marist Red Foxes at noon.

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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