Stetson Hatters

Marist rallies to beat Stetson 26-23 in Pioneer opener

Published Sep. 14, 2019 3:28 p.m. ET

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (AP) — Austin Day threw a 45-yard touchdown pass, backup Luke Strnad threw a go-ahead 75-yarder and Marist overcame a late fumble to beat Stetson 26-23 in a Pioneer Football League opener Saturday.

Anthony Olivencia had 150 yards on four receptions and caught both TD passes. In the fourth quarter, he stretched to catch a ball thrown behind him, then escaped a lone defender to race for the go-ahead score.

Stetson recovered a fumble at its goal line with 1:11 to play but its final drive stalled following a sack by Peter Delatour.

Marist's John Pierce scored a safety by blocking a punt on the Hatters' opening drive and the Red Foxes held a 12-7 first quarter lead after Luke Paladino's 49-yard field goal and Mekahi Johnson's 54-yard TD run.

Day's pass to Olivencia put Marist (1-1) up 19-10 at halftime before the Hatters' defense stiffened and Stetson closed to 19-17 on Gaven DeFilippo's 3-yard TD pass to Jeremiah Nails. DeFilippo was 36 of 60 for 301 yards passing. Jalen Leary, 53 yards on 11 carries, put Stetson (1-1) up 23-19 on the second of his two 6-yard scoring runs after Jamieson Craske intercepted a pass.

Johnson, 125 yards on 16 carries, had run 54 yards and was a yard away from scoring late in the fourth quarter when he fumbled, forced by JJ Henderson.

Get more from Stetson Hatters Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Stetson Hatters

Marist Red Foxes

Pioneer League