MOREHEAD, Ky. — Stetson made a late push but came up short Saturday afternoon, falling 38-31 to Morehead State at Phil Simms Stadium.
The Hatters (1-7, 0-4 PFL) led 21-14 at halftime and carried a 24-17 advantage midway through the third quarter before Morehead State scored 21 unanswered points to take control. Stetson responded in the closing minute, going 74 yards in just 42 seconds before Thomas von Grote found Shawne Jones for a 2-yard touchdown with 59 seconds remaining to cut the deficit to 38-31.
Von Grote completed 29 of 44 passes for 350 yards and three touchdowns, marking his fourth consecutive game with at least 300 passing yards. Landon Farco delivered one of his best performances of the season, catching four passes for 102 yards and two touchdowns while adding 63 yards on two punt returns.
Farco scored both of Stetson's first-half passing touchdowns. His 37-yard reception tied the game at 7-7 in the opening quarter before he capped a 99-yard drive with a 43-yard touchdown reception in the second.
The Hatters later took their first lead when Farco's 53-yard punt return set up Troy Flowers' 3-yard touchdown run, giving Stetson a 21-14 advantage. The defense preserved that lead just before halftime when Dylan Kelly and Caleb Larson combined to stop Morehead State on fourth-and-1 from the Stetson 3.
Morehead State opened the second half with a field goal, but Stetson answered with a 57-yard drive highlighted by completions of 26 yards to Jones and 25 yards to Wyatt Rogers. Trey Hess capped the possession with a 31-yard field goal to extend the lead to 24-17.
The Eagles tied the game later in the third quarter before scoring twice in the fourth to move ahead 38-24. Stetson stayed alive with its late touchdown drive, but Morehead State was able to run out the remaining time.
Stetson finished with 350 passing yards and three passing touchdowns. Morehead State totaled 438 yards of offense, including 204 on the ground.
The Hatters return home Saturday, Oct. 31, when they host Dayton at 1 p.m. at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium.
Hatters Top Performers
Thomas von Grote
- 29-of-44 passing
- 350 passing yards
- Three touchdown passes
Landon Farco
- Four receptions for 102 yards
- Two receiving touchdowns
- Two punt returns for 63 yards
- Touchdown receptions of 37 and 43 yards
- 53-yard punt return set up Stetson's third touchdown
Wyatt Rogers
- Eight receptions for 83 yards
- Added a 7-yard rush
Shawne Jones
- Six receptions for 76 yards
- 2-yard touchdown reception with 59 seconds remaining
Troy Flowers
- 15 carries for 52 yards
- 3-yard rushing touchdown
- Five receptions for 15 yards
Kyle Elphick
Game Notes
- Stetson moved to 1-7 overall and 0-4 in Pioneer Football League play.
- The Hatters led 21-14 at halftime and 24-17 midway through the third quarter.
- Stetson threw for 350 yards, its fourth consecutive game with at least 300 passing yards.
- Thomas von Grote passed for 350 yards and three touchdowns.
- Von Grote has now thrown 12 touchdown passes over the last four games.
- Landon Farco recorded his first 100-yard receiving game of the season with 102 yards on four catches.
- Farco caught two touchdown passes, scoring from 37 and 43 yards.
- Farco also totaled 63 yards on two punt returns, including a 53-yard return that set up a touchdown.
- Stetson's second touchdown capped a 99-yard scoring drive from its own 1-yard line.
- Troy Flowers scored his second rushing touchdown of the season on a 3-yard run.
- Shawne Jones caught his seventh touchdown pass of the season.
- Wyatt Rogers finished with eight receptions, giving him 53 catches through eight games.
- Trey Hess was 4-for-4 on extra points and connected on a 31-yard field goal.
- Casey Bending recorded a sack in the second quarter.
- Dylan Kelly and Caleb Larson combined for a fourth-down stop at the Stetson 1-yard line late in the second quarter.
- Kyle Elphick led the Hatters with 10 tackles.
- Brett Gonda pinned Morehead State at its own 1-yard line with a 39-yard punt in the third quarter.
- Stetson's final touchdown drive covered 74 yards in six plays and took just 42 seconds.
- Stetson will host Dayton at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium.
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.
