DeLAND, Fla. — The Stetson Hatters fell 52-10 to St. Thomas (MN) on Saturday afternoon at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium.
The Hatters (3-6, 2-3 PFL) battled through a tough afternoon but saw key contributions on both sides of the ball, highlighted by several standout defensive performances.
Quarterback and team captain Gavin Rupp returned to action and provided a late spark, connecting with Will Secker on a 43-yard touchdown strike in the fourth quarter. Secker finished with two receptions for 43 yards, while Rupp went 3-for-5 through the air for 41 yards and the score.
Cayden Betts led Stetson's rushing attack with 38 yards on the ground, and Chris Stephenson added seven.
On defense, Justin Rodriguez turned in a career performance, tallying a personal-best nine tackles to lead all Hatters. Kyle Elphick recorded the first interception of his career in the second quarter, marking Stetson's fifth game this season with a pick and seventh total interception. Shug Bentley also contributed seven tackles in the effort.
After St. Thomas built an early lead, Stetson got on the board in the third quarter with a 35-yard field goal from Daniel Holbrook, capping an 11-play drive. The Hatters struck again late in the fourth with the Rupp-to-Secker touchdown connection to make it 52-10, but were unable to close the gap further.
Stetson now heads into a bye week before traveling to Poughkeepsie, N.Y., to face Marist at Tenney Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 1:00 p.m., with coverage available on ESPN+.
Game Notes
- Stetson has scored a touchdown in six straight games.
- Justin Rodriguez's nine tackles marked a new career high.
- Kyle Elphick's interception was the first of his career.
- The Hatters have recorded an interception in five different games this season and seven total.
- Stetson converted 3-of-14 third downs and 1-of-2 fourth-down attempts.
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.
