DeLAND, Fla. — The Stetson Hatters closed out non-conference play on Saturday afternoon, falling 59-7 to Harvard in front of a season-high crowd of 2,710 at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium, the program's largest home attendance since 2016.
Harvard struck early, capitalizing on field position after Stetson's opening onside kick attempt and racing out to a 28-0 first-quarter lead. The Crimson leaned on a dominant rushing attack, finishing with six touchdowns on the ground while holding the Hatters to just 205 yards of total offense.
Stetson's defense delivered bright moments in the game, however. Junior linebacker Kyle Elphick forced a fumble that Zachary Goodwin recovered to stop a Harvard drive late in the first quarter. The Hatters forced an interception in the second half to slow the Crimson's momentum, giving them their fourth interception of the season, further surpassing last year's total of two.
Offensively, the Hatters broke through midway through the third quarter. Redshirt-freshman quarterback Kael Alexander orchestrated a strong drive, completing passes to Anthony Benzija and Dylan Redmon before finding freshman Michael Dempsey downfield for a 30-yard touchdown, the second time this fall the duo has connected on a 30-plus yard score. On the following defensive series, cornerback Trey Lockhart intercepted a bobbled pass and returned it 24 yards into Harvard territory, giving Stetson another spark.
Despite the third-quarter surge, Harvard pulled away late, adding three more touchdowns in the second half to seal the win.
Alexander finished 11-for-20 with 113 passing yards and a touchdown pass. Dempsey provided the Hatters' lone score with his 30-yard reception, while Benzija led the receiving corps with three catches for 29 yards while Dalton Bailey, who made his season debut, reeled in 32 yards on two receptions. On the ground, Marvin Duffey Jr. receieved the lion's share of the carries with nine carries for 16 yards while Zion Griffin led the team with 20 yards on just four carries.
Defensively, Elphick paced the team with eight tackles and a forced fumble. Christopher Jimenez and Chandler Hodge also chipped in with key tackles throughout the afternoon.
With the loss, Stetson moves to 1-3 on the season, wrapping up its non-conference slate. Harvard begins its campaign 1-0 following Saturday's victory.
POST GAME PRESSER
Game Notes
- Saturday's attendance of 2,710 marked Stetson's largest home crowd since 2016.
- The Hatters finished 1-3 in non-conference play.
- Kael Alexander and Michael Dempsey connected on their second 30-plus yard touchdown of the season.
- Kyle Elphick forced a fumble and posted a team-high eight tackles.
- Harvard outgained Stetson 473-205 in total yardage.
- All seven of Stetson's points came in the third quarter.
- The Hatters converted 4 of 15 third downs and went 2-for-4 on fourth down.
- Stetson forced a red zone turnover in the first quarter.
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.
