DeLAND, Fla. — Stetson turned in a dominant performance in its 2026 home opener Saturday afternoon, scoring the first 31 points of the game and rolling past Webber International 45-10 at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium.
The Hatters improved to 1-1 on the season after piling up 500 yards of total offense, including 318 through the air and 182 on the ground. Stetson averaged 8.3 yards per play, converted 10 of 14 third downs and did not turn the ball over, while the defense held Webber International to just 185 total yards.
Thomas von Grote led the offensive effort, completing 19 of 24 passes for 318 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. Wyatt Rogers finished with five catches for 123 yards and a touchdown, while Troy Flowers added three receptions for 101 yards and a score to go along with 31 rushing yards.
Chris Stephenson provided the biggest plays on the ground, rushing for 113 yards and two touchdowns on just three carries. Both scores came on 57-yard runs in the fourth quarter.
Stetson wasted little time establishing control, striking on its opening possession when von Grote found Flowers for an 81-yard touchdown just 1:26 into the game. After the defense forced a Webber punt, the Hatters added another touchdown on their second possession, with Michael Dempsey finishing a sustained drive on a 2-yard run to make it 14-0.
The Hatters continued to pull away in the second quarter. Von Grote connected with Rogers for a 46-yard touchdown midway through the period before Paul DeSousa added a 49-yard field goal in the closing seconds to send Stetson into halftime with a 24-0 advantage.
Stetson's defense also delivered a key first-half takeaway when Dylan Kelly intercepted Trent Grotjan at the Hatters' 10-yard line with 7:56 remaining in the second quarter. The Hatters finished the game plus-one in turnover margin.
The lead grew to 31-0 on Stetson's opening possession of the second half. Starting near midfield following a Webber punt, von Grote completed three passes to Shawne Jones on the drive, including a 22-yard touchdown with 8:42 remaining in the third quarter.
Webber broke through with a field goal early in the fourth, but Stetson answered immediately. After Anthony Benzija opened the possession with a 9-yard run, Stephenson broke free for a 57-yard touchdown to make it 38-3.
The Hatters defense forced another punt, and Stephenson struck again three plays later with another 57-yard touchdown run, stretching the advantage to 45-3 with 5:26 to play.
Webber added a late touchdown to account for the final margin.
Stetson's defense held the Warriors to 46 passing yards and 139 rushing yards. Shug Bentley led the Hatters with eight tackles, while Kelly recorded three tackles and the game's lone interception. Eli Durden added a sack, and the Hatters consistently created negative plays throughout the afternoon.
The Hatters will remain in Volusia County next weekend, traveling to Daytona Beach to face Bethune-Cookman on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m.
KEY STETSON PERFORMERS
Thomas von Grote
- 19-for-24 passing
- 318 passing yards
- 3 touchdown passes
- 0 interceptions
Chris Stephenson
- 3 carries
- 113 rushing yards
- 2 rushing touchdowns
- Two 57-yard touchdown runs
Wyatt Rogers
- 5 receptions
- 123 receiving yards
- 1 touchdown
Troy Flowers
- 3 receptions
- 101 receiving yards
- 1 touchdown
- 31 rushing yards
Dylan Kelly
Shug Bentley
GAME NOTES
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Stetson improved to 1-1 with the win.
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The Hatters won their 2026 home opener.
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Stetson outgained Webber International 500-185.
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The Hatters held a 318-46 advantage in passing yards.
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Stetson rushed for 182 yards and scored three rushing touchdowns.
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The Hatters scored 31 unanswered points before Webber got on the scoreboard.
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Stetson converted 10 of 14 third downs.
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The Hatters did not commit a turnover and won the turnover battle 1-0.
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Rogers and Flowers both recorded 100-yard receiving games.
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Stetson scored three touchdowns on plays of 46 yards or longer, including Flowers' 81-yard touchdown reception and Stephenson's two 57-yard runs.
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Von Grote completed 79.2 percent of his passes and averaged 13.2 yards per attempt.
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Stetson held Webber International to just 185 total yards, including 46 through the air.
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DeSousa connected on a 49-yard field goal late in the second quarter.
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The Hatters led 14-0 after the first quarter, 24-0 at halftime and 31-0 after three quarters.
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.
