DELAND, Fla. — The Stetson University football team dropped its 2025 season opener Saturday night, falling 31-21 to Webber International at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium after a 90-minute weather delay pushed back kickoff.
In front of 1,975 fans, the Hatters struck first when Gavin Rupp connected with Austin Hill on a 53-yard pass to set up a 6-yard touchdown run by newcomer back Cayden Betts at the 13:36 mark of the opening quarter. The score was Betts' first as a Hatter, and Daniel Holbrook's extra point made it 7-0. Trey Clark's steady rushing helped push the offense back inside the red zone later in the quarter before a turnover on downs at the 2-yard line halted the drive.
Momentum shifted in the second quarter. Webber answered with a field goal before capitalizing on a strip sack and fumble return touchdown to take their first lead at 10-7. A late Warrior touchdown extended the advantage to 17-7 at halftime, which featured an enthusiastically received on-field halftime performance by the Stetson Pep Band and Cheerleaders for the first time in almost seven decades.
Stetson fought back in the third quarter. Clark churned out 21 yards on the ground to spark a drive, and redshirt-freshman quarterback Kael Alexander delivered his first career touchdown pass with a 20-yard strike to tight end Anthony Benzija—who also recorded his first score at the position. Holbrook's extra point cut the deficit to 17-14.
The Hatters closed the gap again early in the fourth. A 22-yard connection from Alexander to Dylan Redmon set up Troy Flowers' 4-yard touchdown run at 13:15, trimming the deficit to 24-21. But Webber responded with a defensive score on an interception return, pushing the lead back to double digits. Despite a 36-yard kickoff return by Shawne Jones and completions to Will Secker and Hill on the ensuing drive, Holbrook's 34-yard field goal attempt missed wide, sealing the 31-21 final.
Stat Leaders
With the loss, Stetson opens the season 0-1, while Webber International moves to 1-0. The Hatters will look to bounce back next Saturday, September 6, when they host the Warner Royals at 6:00 p.m. inside Spec Martin Memorial Stadium.
MIKE JASPER POSTGAME PRESS CONFERENCE
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.
