POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - Looking to put a two-game skid to rest, the Stetson Hatters took on the Marist Red Foxes in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. on Saturday afternoon. However, the Hatters fell short, succumbing to the Red Foxes with a final score of 34-24.

The game kicked off with Stetson receiving the opening kickoff The Hatters' offense took the field, with Devon Brewer leading the charge. Unfortunately, the drive stalled after a trio of carries by Brewer, leading to a punt.

Marist wasted no time in making a statement on their first offensive play, ripping a 67-yard rush for a touchdown and taking an early lead. But the Hatters were not to be outdone. They responded swiftly, as Brewer crossed the goal line on a two-yard touchdown rush.

After a strong defensive stop, Stetson had an opportunity to seize the lead. A 19-yard rush by Donovan Shepard helped them advance into Marist territory, but a missed field goal attempt from 45 yards out left them empty-handed.

In the second quarter, Marist extended their lead with a 3-yard rush up the middle, putting more pressure on the Hatters. The Red Foxes had initially scored on a 77-yard pass, but it was called back due to a block in the back.

Stetson, however, showed resilience. They tied the game at 14 apiece with a 16-yard touchdown pass from O'Connor to Shepard, following a 20-yard rush by Brewer. But Marist didn't let up. They regained the lead with a nine-yard touchdown pass after a 66-yard drive.

As the first half neared its end, O'Connor orchestrated an impressive drive for the Hatters. He connected with four different receivers for passes of over 10 yards, including a 27-yard strike to Gabe Atkin as time expired, knotting the score at 21-21.

Coming out in the second half, Marist wasted no time regaining the lead with a 68-yard touchdown pass that proved insurmountable for the Hatters. Stetson tried to claw back with a 37-yard pass to Jalon Warthen-Carr, which ultimately led to a 34-yard field goal by freshman kicker Daniel Holbrook.

Marist answered with a 30-yard field goal of their own. The Hatters, searching for a spark, attempted to convert on 4th down and found Ronnel Johnson for a 17-yard gain, but their second missed field goal attempt of the day, this time from 32 yards out, left them trailing.

Stetson's defense stepped up when needed most, with Carter Gaskins forcing a crucial fumble at the three-yard line, recovered by Nikkem Reynolds. However, three plays later, the Hatters turned the ball over themselves, but their defense was able to hold Marist to a field goal.

Desperate to close the gap, Stetson went for it on fourth down once more, but an interception sealed the fate of the Hatters, securing a 34-24 victory for the Red Foxes.

Despite the loss, Stetson's quarterback Matt O'Connor had an impressive game, completing 20 of 27 passes for a season-high 291 yards and two touchdowns. Brewer led the rushing attack with 14 carries for 49 yards and a touchdown. Warthen-Carr, Atkin, and Shepard contributed significantly to the passing game, showcasing their skills with crucial receptions and touchdowns.

Warthen-Carr led the Hatters through the air with 6 receptions for 98 yards while Atkin pulled in 5 receptions for 91 yards and a score. Shepard was active in the passing game as well, reeling in 4 catches for 38 yards and a score.

On the defensive side, Gaskins and Nicholas Lerew were standouts, combining for 30 total tackles, with each recording 15. Andrew Martin also reached double-digit tackles with 11 in total. Edward Hernandez registered a solo sack, and Tyler Lewis and Chad Nuschy combined for another.

Although the Hatters fought valiantly, the Red Foxes emerged victorious. Stetson will look to bounce back in their next game on Saturday, October 7th, at 1:00 PM, when they travel to Clinton, S.C. to take on the Presbyterian College Blue Hose.