Stetson pulls away from Valparaiso in 37-14 win

Published Oct. 24, 2015 7:21 p.m. ET

foxsports

VALPARAISO, Ind. (AP) Chris Atkins returned an interception 34 yards for a touchdown - one of three turnovers on the day in an impressive defensive effort - to help Stetson to a 37-14 win over Valparaiso on Saturday.

Stetson (2-5, 1-4 Pioneer League) limited Valparaiso to 162 total yards and forced two fumbles.

The Hatters took control in the first quarter with a pair of short touchdowns - a 1-yard run by Craig Carrington followed by Cole Mazza's 1-yard TD throw to Rob Coggin - to build a lead it held the rest of the game.

Atkins' interception return put Stetson up 21-0 in the third quarter before Valparaiso (2-6, 1-4) averted a first half shutout with a 17-yard touchdown pass from Ryan Clark to Jean Rene.

Stetson responded with a trio of field goals, two from James LaGamma and Grant Amick's 50-yarder, and got a 5-yard touchdown run from Chance Jackson.