SPORTS

DAVIDSON, N.C. – Three players rushed for over 100 yards, but Davidson football fell to Stetson Saturday in Pioneer Football League play at Richardson Stadium, 56-53.

With the loss Davidson falls to 5-4 overall and 2-4 in PFL action, while with the win Stetson improves to 6-1 and 4-1 in the league.

The Wildcats rushed for 519 yards as a team and gained 7.2 yards per carry. Freshman Eli Turner Jr. recorded a season-high 148 yards and a touchdown, while junior James Story churned out 117 and 3 scores. Story extended his scoring streak to 5 games. Sophomore quarterback Tyler Phelps was the final ‘Cat to gain over 100 yards on the day, netting 114, including a 57-yard burst to set up a Davidson touchdown.

The Wildcats dropped their third straight by 7-points or less, but not quietly, opening the fourth with back-to-back touchdown drives. The second, and go-ahead score, was kicked off by Dreylan Hines’ team-leading fourth interception of the season. Story finished off the short drive with his third rushing tally of the day, giving the ‘Cats its first lead of the second half, 53-49.

The Hatters then orchestrated a lengthy, 12-play, 74-yard eventual game-winning drive that chewed up 4:38 of game clock and put them back ahead, 56-53 with under 2:00 to play.

Davidson raced out to quick lead on the opening drive, as has become the norm this season. Phelps connected with Hunter Louthan for a 78-yard scoring strike, his team-leading fifth scoring reception of the season.

The two squads went back-and-forth until late in the half when a Davidson turnover led to a Jareem Westcott touchdown, the second of his Stetson-record fifth rushing touchdown of the day.

Out of the intermission, the Wildcats were able to bring it back by holding the Hatters scoreless on the opening drive and responding with a touchdown drive capped off by a 1-yard Keylan Brown run to make it 28-24. Each team then found the end zone on the next five straight possessions for a 49-38 score after three, advantage Stetson.

Phelps completed 6 of 11 passes for 115 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception. His second scoring toss of the day went to senior Kahleel Shaw for his first of 2018.

Senior place kicker Michael Matthews converted on all 6 of his extra point tries and reset the single-season record with 48 made point after attempts. Matthews overtakes Ed Terry who successfully converted 44 PAT’s in 1969. The Atlanta, Ga., native also knocked through his first field goal of the season, a 26-yard kick.

Stetson was led by Westcott’s 213 yards on the ground, while four-time All-PFL team selection, Donald Parham, caught 8 passes for 171 yards and a touchdown.

On the defensive end, senior cornerback Nathan Campbell made 8 solo stops, broke up a pair of passes and recovered a fumble. Junior Bryce Perry-Martin also made life tough for Stetson quarterback Colin McGovern, recording a tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry.

Davidson returns after the bye week on Saturday, Nov. 10 at San Diego. Kick off from the West Coast is slated for 5 p.m. Eastern/2 p.m. Pacific.