The Stevenson University football team continues to make history as they remain undefeated in the 2016 season at 8-0. Coming off their 19-0 shutout victory over previously ranked No. 25 Delaware Valley, the Mustangs posted another convincing win, defeating Kings College (Pa.) 41-20.
With the win on Oct. 29, the Mustangs increased their win streak to 10 straight games dating back to the 2015 season, the longest win streak the team has ever had. Their win streak is also the third longest in Division III.
The Stevenson offense continued their success this season, gashing the King’s defense for 412 total yards of offense. Of the 412 yards, 270 came in the rushing game. Junior Dontea Ayres and senior Devonte Williams, runningbacks, combined for 5 rushing touchdowns.
Devonte Williams earned the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Offensive Player of the Week award after rushing for 203 yards and two touchdowns. It is the second time this season a Stevenson player has earned this award, and it is also the second time Williams has won the award in his career.
The defense caused yet another turnover for the season when sophomore defensive lineman Brendan Flaherty intercepted a pass late in the game against Kings, putting the total at 28 takeaways on the season.
Junior quarterback Dan Williams has continued to lead the offense this season, as he went 19/28 for 142 yards against the Monarchs totaling his pass yards to 1,634 on the season.
“All the hard work we put in during camp has paid off for us this season. The coaches pushed us to be the best we can be and they push us every week and it has made us successful,” said Dan Williams.
With two games remaining on the regular season schedule (against Wilkes and Lycoming), the Mustangs are seeking their first-ever NCAA playoff tournament appearance.
Dan Williams said, “We have to remain a confident group. It’s important that we block out the noise around us and keep the focus on us. Continuing to get better in practice every day is important for us as a group. “ Head coach Ed Hottle has said that he is pleased with the ways that his players are responding to the game plans, though there are still some areas to clean up.
The Mustangs held their national ranking in the D3Football.com poll at No. 14, as well as the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) poll at No. 12.
The NCAA also released the first regional rankings for the 2016 season on Nov.2. The Mustangs are ranked second in the East Region behind the Alfred Saxons, who are ranked No. 15 in the D3Football.com poll and No.19 in the AFCA poll.
Junior captain Nick Jachera said, “We are playing well as a team right now and are continuing to get better as a group every week. Both the offense and the defense are playing up to our potential.”
The Mustangs will look to win their first MAC championship in program history on Saturday, Nov. 5 at Mustang Stadium to face Wilkes University on Senior Day.
