Davidson College
Stetson
PFL Play Starts Saturday at Stetson
3/8/2021 10:48:00 AM | Football
| WEEK 2 - DAVIDSON at STETSON |
| Date | Saturday, Mar. 13, 2021 | |
| Kickoff | 1:00 P.M. | |
| Location | DeLand, Fla. | |
| Stadium | Spec Martin Memorial Stadium | |
| Capacity | 6,000 | |
| Game Notes | Davidson | PFL | |
| Game Program | Game Day Program vs. Stetson | |
| #HashTag | #CatsAreWild #WE | |
| Live Stats | GoHatters.com | |
| Live Audio | DavidsonWildcats.com (WHIP 99.3 FM/1350 AM, TuneIn App) | |
| Live Video | ESPN+ | |
| The Coach's Corner | Episode 2 | |
| Social Media | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook |
THE SERIES
Davidson and Stetson go way back, all the way to 1912, but the Hatters disbanded football in the 1950's before bringing it back in 2013. The Wildcats trail the all-time series 5-6, but 2019's impressive 42-14 road victory snapped a three-game slide to Stetson.
LAST TIME OUT
Davidson gave nationally ranked No. 21 Elon all they could handle in a last-minute 26-23 setback at Rhodes Stadium back on Feb. 20. The Phoenix of arguably the nation's premiere FCS Conference, the CAA, needed a late touchdown drive to topple the 'Cats. Behind a three-touchdown second quarter, Davidson led 20-12 at the half and 23-18 after three, but the late Phoenix drive proved the difference in the season-opener. Junior Coy Williams rushed 17 times for 113 yards and a touchdown, while sophomore backfield mate Dylan Sparks scored his first career TD and added 98 yards on the ground. Wildcat rookie Jonathan Hammond and junior captain Chibuike Odo each forced a Phoenix fumble recovered by the defense, while fellow captain Jalen Jefferson led the unit with eight tackles.
SCOUTING THE HATTERS
Picked fourth in the PFL Preseason Coaches Poll, Stetson opens the spring 2021 schedule Saturday after electing not to play a non-conference game. The Hatters saw seven players named to the PFL Preseason Watch List including three offensive lineman to help protect Alex Piccirilli in what is expected to be his first full season starting under center. Running back Jalen Leary looks to benefit from a stout offensive line, while the Hatters pose a return threat with specialist Jaylon Johnson returning kicks. Hatter linebacker Hunter Stephens returns following a 48-tackle 2019 campaign.
LAST TIME THEY MET
Tied up at 14 at the half, Davidson exploded with four consecutive touchdowns at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium on Nov. 16, 2019. Wesley Dugger opened the second half scoring account with a goal line TD run, his second of the day, while Hunter Murphy '20 blocked and returned a punt for a score. Jalen Staples and Aris Hilliard also scored, while Jorell Story '20 added the second first half touchdown. Stetson's Alex Piccirilli connected with Justin Curtis on a 49-yard scoring reception to tie it up in the second quarter, but that was the last threat the Hatters made in the game.
SETTING A P.A.C.E. FOR CHANGE
In response to the racial tension, social unrest and the prevalence of systematic racism in our country, Davidson football created P.A.C.E. (Progress, Advocate, Cooperate, Educate). The mission of P.A.C.E. is to lead the team, campus, community and country in promoting equality, unity and opportunity. In late August, the team hosted a gathering on the front lawn of Chambers to speak out against racism and actively fight for change.
LEADING THE PACK
Senior quarterback Tyler Phelps returns for his fourth season to lead the offense, while Jalen Jefferson, Chibuike Odo and Cade Vela captain a Davidson defense that soared to the top of the FCS in 2019. Junior Eli Turner Jr. also will don captain duties throughout the season.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans can connect directly with the Davidson Football staff on Facebook (www.facebook.com/Davidson-Football), Twitter (@DavidsonFB) and Instagram (@DavidsonFootball). Head coach Scott Abell is on Twitter and can be found at @Scott_AbellFB.
Be sure to check out The Coach's Corner with Scott Abell every Monday powered by Atrium Health. Coach Abell will discuss the previous week and look ahead to the upcoming opponent, giving fans an inside look into the Wildcat football program.
ON DECK
The Wildcats return to Richardson Stadium Saturday, Mar. 20 for a PFL showdown with the Blue Hose of Presbyterian. Kick off from Stephen B. Smith Field is slated for 1 p.m.
