CLINTON, S.C. — The Stetson Hatters fell 42-7 to the nationally-ranked No. 19 Presbyterian Blue Hose on Saturday afternoon at Bailey Memorial Stadium in Clinton, S.C.
The Blue Hose remained undefeated on the season, improving to 7-0 overall and 3-0 in Pioneer Football League play, while Stetson dropped to 3-5 and 2-2 in conference.
Presbyterian capitalized on five red-zone opportunities, scoring four rushing touchdowns and one through the air. Stetson's lone score came in the fourth quarter when Gunner Chenier connected with Cayden Betts on a 26-yard touchdown pass to get the Hatters on the board.
Betts was a bright spot for the Hatters' offense, totaling 93 all-purpose yards with 65 rushing yards on 10 carries and two receptions for 28 yards and a touchdown. Chenier completed 8-of-14 passes for 90 yards and added 37 yards on the ground. Dylan Redmon led Stetson receivers with two catches for 44 yards.
Defensively, the Hatters showed resilience, holding the Blue Hose to 147 yards rushing — outgaining them on the ground 158-147 — and forcing an interception. Linebacker Shug Bentley led the team with nine tackles, while freshman Jahyden Clark intercepted a pass and added two tackles. Andrew Martin recorded five tackles, including 1.5 for loss and one sack, and Immanuel Williams also tallied a sack.
Presbyterian built an early lead, taking a 21-0 advantage into halftime behind two first-half touchdowns from running back Justin Montgomery. The Blue Hose added two more scores in the third quarter before Stetson broke through in the fourth with its lone touchdown drive. Presbyterian capped the scoring with a late touchdown run to seal the 42-7 result.
Despite the loss, Stetson controlled time of possession, holding the ball for over 31 minutes and converting on four of seven fourth-down attempts.
The Hatters return home next weekend to host St. Thomas on Saturday, October 25, at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium. The Homecoming matchup, presented by Watson Realty, is set for a 1:00 p.m. kickoff and will air live on ESPN+.
Game Notes
- Stetson has now rushed for 150 or more yards in three straight games.
- The Hatters held their opponent under 150 rushing yards for the fourth consecutive contest.
- Cayden Betts recorded his third touchdown of the season and first through the air.
- Shug Bentley led Stetson in tackles with nine.
- The Hatters controlled time of possession for the fifth time this year (31:14 to 28:46).
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
