Hatters Fall to San Diego 49-10

San Diego tackles a Hatter player during the game

San Diego, Calif. – After controlling the ball for more than 41 minutes of their game against Marist, the Stetson defense had trouble getting off the field against San Diego on Saturday at Torero Stadium and the Hatters’ offense struggled to find the end zone.

San Diego tackles a Hatter player during the game
Hatter quarterback Colin McGovern, No. 7, completed 13 passes against San Diego for 189 yards and one touchdown.

The result was a 49-10 loss to the defending Pioneer Football League champions, marking the sixth consecutive win for the Toreros in the series.

USD rolled up 612 yards of total offense in the game while controlling the ball for more than 36 minutes on the game clock. The Toreros were almost flawless in their passing game, completing 28-of-33 passes for 438 yards. USD also rushed for 174 yards in the game.

Stetson, which had used its ground game to win its first three outings this year, was held to just 89 rushing yards on 34 attempts in this game. The Hatters did have success throwing the ball, completing 16-of-23 attempts for 250 yards, but could only find the end zone one time.

The Hatters – who were playing without senior tight end Donald Parham, junior defensive end Regis Steighner and, after the opening USD drive, sophomore cornerback JJ Henderson – finally got things going late in the half, driving 82 yards on nine plays.

The big plays in the drive were a 39-yard pass from Colin McGovern to Steven Burdette for a first down at the USD 20, followed two plays later by a 16-yard connection between the same two players for the Hatters’ first points of the day.

Stetson drove the ball deep into USD territory twice during the second half, getting a 32-yard field goal from Jonny Messina late in the third quarter to cap a six-play drive covering 60 yards.

The Hatters will get a week off this weekend before hitting the road again the following week for another PFL game at Drake on Oct. 13.

GoHatters.com