VALPARAISO, Ind. — The Stetson Hatters put together a strong showing on the ground, rushing for 282 yards and three touchdowns, including 127 yards from Cayden Betts, but fell 32-31 in overtime to Valparaiso on Saturday at Brown Field. The Hatters led 24-0 in the second quarter before the Beacons rallied back, ultimately taking the win on a two-point conversion in overtime. The loss drops Stetson to 3-8 overall and 2-5 in Pioneer Football League play, while Valparaiso improves to 2-9 and 1-6 in league action.
Cayden Betts led the ground attack with 127 yards and a rushing touchdown on 15 carries, averaging 8.5 yards per attempt. Quarterback Chris Stephenson added 71 rushing yards and a touchdown while completing 14 of 24 passes for 134 yards and another score. Dylan Redmon contributed three receptions for 24 yards and a touchdown, and Michael Dempsey added a rushing touchdown.
On defense, Andrew Martin and Shug Bentley each recorded nine tackles and half a sack, anchoring a unit that also featured Christian Rand with five tackles and a fumble recovery. Trey Lockhart added three tackles, one TFL, a sack, and a forced fumble. Despite winning the turnover battle 1-0 and outgaining Valpo 416-348, Stetson could not hold the lead in the fourth quarter, and Valpo forced overtime with a successful two-point conversion.
The Hatters opened the first quarter with a solid defensive stance, forcing Valpo to punt on their opening drive. Stetson quickly answered with a 5-yard touchdown run by Michael Dempsey, following a 14-yard completion from Stephenson to Redmon. Daniel Holbrook added the extra point, giving Stetson a 7-0 lead.
Stetson continued to assert control, with Betts breaking free for a 51-yard run later in the quarter. In the second quarter, a 30-yard field goal from Holbrook extended the lead to 10-0. Following a fumble forced by Zachary Goodwin and recovered by Christian Rand, Betts capped a 14-yard touchdown run, making it 17-0. Stephenson then added an 18-yard rushing touchdown, after escaping a sack for a 24-yard gain, putting Stetson ahead 24-0.
Valparaiso began its comeback in the third quarter, scoring 24 unanswered points over the final two periods. A 55-yard passing touchdown and subsequent scores trimmed the deficit, sending the game into overtime tied at 24-24.
In overtime, Stetson struck first with a 3-yard touchdown pass from Stephenson to Redmon, followed by Holbrook's PAT to take a 31-24 lead. Valparaiso responded from the Stetson 25-yard line, scoring on a 2-yard rush and converting the two-point attempt to secure the 32-31 victory.
The Hatters will return to Spec Martin Memorial Stadium where they will host the San Diego Torreros for the regular season finale. The game will also mark Senior Day for the Hatters, starting prior to the 1:00 PM kickoff time. The game will be streamed on ESPN+ and live stats will be available at GoHatters.com.
TOP PERFORMERS
Cayden Betts
- 127 rushing yards on 15 attempts
- 1 rushing touchdown
- 25 receiving yards
- Long of 51 yards
Chris Stephenson
- 14 completions on 24 attempts for 134 yards
- 1 passing touchdown
- 71 rushing yards on 11 attempts
- 1 rushing touchdown
Andrew Martin
- 9 total tackles
- 0.5 sacks
Shug Bentley
- 9 total tackles
- 0.5 sacks
Christian Rand
- 5 total tackles
- 1 fumble recovery
Michael Dempsey
- 25 rushing yards
- 1 rushing touchdown
Dylan Redmon
- 3 receptions for 24 yards
- 1 receiving touchdown
GAME NOTES
- Stetson outgained Valpo 416-347, including a 282-144 advantage on the ground.
- Three players had more than eight tackles, led by Andrew Martin and Shug Bentley.
- Stetson didn't allow a sack in the contest.
- The Hatters put up 24 unanswered points before Valpo scored.
- Stetson converted 2 of 12 third downs; Valpo was 1 of 9.
- Time of possession favored Stetson, 33:53 to 26:07.
- Stetson averaged 6.3 yards per carry on the ground.
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.
