GAME DAY INFORMATION
|
DATE: Sept, 9, 2023
TIME: 7:00 PM |
LOCATION: Spec Martin Stadium
DeLand, Florida
|
|
GAME DAY LINK
|
LIVE STATS
LIVE VIDEO
|
|
|
|
THE LEAD
Fresh off a thrilling 34-33 overtime victory against St. Thomas last week, the Stetson University football team is gearing up to hit the gridiron once more. This Saturday, on September 9th, they will face off against Webber International at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 PM. Prior to the game, Stetson will honor the life of Trenton Stewart, a member of the football team who tragically lost his life in a car accident over the offseason. A Cybersecurity major, who received 2022 Pioneer Football League All-Academic Team honors, Trent's work ethic and drive had a profound impact on his teammates and the pregame ceremony will serve to honor his vibrant spirit and dedication to both our team and our community.
INSIDE THE SERIES
This will be the second time in program history that the Hatters will play the Webber International in football. They first met on Sep. 5, 2015 when runningback Cole Mazza led the Hatter to a 42-13 victory at home with 96 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns. The Hatters are already 1-0 this season against the conference after outlasting the Bobcats of St. Thomas (Fla.) and 8-0 all-time against Sun Conference foes.
SCOUTING THE HATTERS (1-0, 0-0 PFL)
The Stetson Hatters football team launched their season with an electrifying 34-33 overtime victory last week, displaying both potential and determination in the nail-biting contest.
On the offensive front, the ground game took center stage, led by Kaderris Roberts. Roberts amassed an impressive 124 rushing yards, punching in two crucial touchdowns. Quarterbacks Brady Meitz and Matt O'Connor also made significant contributions, with both quarterbacks scoring rushing touchdowns and combining for a total of 205 passing yards. Gabe Atkin and Nazeviah Burris, the team's dynamic receiving duo in the game, combined for 12 receptions, with Atkin leading the way with 67 receiving yards, including a long 39-yard catch.
Special teams played a pivotal role in securing the victory. Linebacker CJ Davis emerged as a hero when he blocked a field goal attempt at the end of the first half, preventing the game from being tied at 13-13. Freshman kicker Daniel Holbrook displayed his composure, going a perfect 2-2 on field goals, including a remarkable 47-yarder, and converting all four extra-point attempts. His final extra point in overtime ultimately sealed the win for the Hatters after the Bobcats faltered on their snap, allowing Kaderris Roberts to level the score and secure victory with a single kick.
Defensively, the Hatters were formidable, with linebackers Diego Davis and Nicholas Lerew leading the charge, accumulating an astounding 17 and 16 tackles, respectively. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson came through in the clutch with an interception in the back of the endzone, preventing St. Thomas (Fla.) from capitalizing in the red zone.
With their first win against St. Thomas (Fla.) in the books, the Stetson Hatters look to extend their undefeated streak in the Sun Conference as they prepare to face Webber International this Saturday.
SCOUTING THE WARRIORS (1-1, 0-0 SUN)
Webber International began their season with a strong showing, defeating Saint Andrews 49-14 in their opener.
Quarterback Blake Birchler played a pivotal role, impressively contributing three passing touchdowns and showcasing his versatility with 24 rushing yards on four attempts. The Warriors' offense made an early impact with a quick 15-yard passing touchdown from Birchler to Reynald Fleurival in under five minutes. The defense also made its presence felt, leading to a blocked punt recovered by David Augustin, which set up another touchdown. At halftime, Birchler and Terry Weems Jr. had powered the Warriors to a commanding 35-7 lead. Despite a rain delay and altered game conditions, the Warriors maintained their defensive dominance with key sacks and a strong overall performance. The game concluded with a resounding victory for the Warriors, sealed by a touchdown pass from Trent Grotjan to Avery Giddens.
In their second game of the season, Webber International faced Cumberland and suffered a tough 19-13 overtime loss. The defense showcased its grit, with Jaren Muse and Caden Morrell each recording eight tackles. On the offensive side, Blake Birchler continued to lead with 14 completions for 121 passing yards, while Terry Weems Jr. and Jordan Griffin were instrumental in the rushing attack, amassing 94 yards on the ground. The Warriors initially gained the lead with a field goal by Zachary Vanfleet late in the first quarter, but Cumberland responded with a touchdown in the second quarter to take the lead. An interception by Joshua Jones set up a 43-yard field goal by Van Fleet, narrowing the deficit to one at halftime. The third quarter remained scoreless, with both teams displaying strong defensive efforts. The Phoenix, Cumberland's team, scored a touchdown early in the fourth quarter, extending their lead to 13-6. However, the Warriors responded with a 73-yard drive, leveling the score at 13-13 with just six minutes left in the game. A crucial fourth-down tackle by Khristian Hill and Morrell gave the Warriors possession with a little over three minutes to go, but they couldn't capitalize. After a tightly contested battle, Cumberland secured the win in overtime with a last-minute touchdown following an interception by Trevor Griffin.
Webber International enters the upcoming matchup with an average of 31 points per game through their first two contests this season. Their offense has demonstrated versatility, with a balanced attack featuring notable contributions from running backs and receivers alike. In the backfield, running back Jordan Griffin has been a key player, leading the team's rushing efforts of a total of 293 yards with 95 yards of his own on the ground so far. Webber International has deployed three quarterbacks during the early part of the season, but Blake Birchler has stood out as the leader among them. Birchler boasts a 25-43-1 (comp-att-int) passing record with 280 passing yards and 3 passing touchdowns. Their receiving corps is deep, with 13 different pass catchers contributing to their passing attack. Asaivien McWilliams leads all receivers with 84 receiving yards, showcasing his ability to make big plays downfield. Additionally, Avery Giddens has been a reliable target, leading the Warriors with six receptions for a total of 41 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, Webber International has shown strength in creating turnovers and applying pressure to opposing offenses. Josiah Oluseyi has recorded two sacks, and Parker Snead has been a tackling machine with 19 total tackles. Both Snead and Jaren Muse have managed to block kicks this season, showcasing their special teams prowess. Warren Laguerre and Joshua Jones have been effective in generating turnovers, with both players notching interceptions.
Coach Eric Potochney, who is entering his 17th season with the Webber International University football program and his third as the head coach of the Warriors in 2023, brings a wealth of experience to the team, holding a 9-13 record at the helm. His tenure includes numerous Warrior records, including single game scoring records, touchdown records, offensive yards records, and single-season touchdown catch records.
WORDS FROM COACH YOUNG
NEXT UP
The Hatters will hit the road for the first time this season, heading to Big Sky Country to face off with the #3 Montana State Bobcats. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 PM EST at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman, Mont. on Saturday, Sept. 16.
