Stetson football season delayed; nonconference games eliminated
Stetson’s upcoming football season has been drastically altered after the Pioneer Football League announced it is eliminating all nonconference games and delaying the start of the season until at least Sept. 26. The moves were made in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
“The Pioneer Football League’s Presidents Council has determined PFL fall schedules will not include any nonconference competition and, if conducted, a conference-only schedule will not begin before September 26,” the league said in a statement released Monday afternoon.
The Hatters’ season opener against Ave Maria University at Spec Martin Memorial Stadium on Sept. 5 already had been canceled when the NAIA decided it would not begin fall competition until Sept. 12. The latest news from the PFL means the Hatters will also lose another home game against Louisiana College on Sept. 12 and a road contest against Presbyterian College on Oct. 3.
It’s the third consecutive season during which Stetson’s scheduled matchup with Presbyterian College has been canceled. The previous two were called off due to hurricanes.
“The Council will vigilantly monitor national developments, ensuring the league’s plans continue to be supported by current medical evidence and guidance,” the Pioneer League statement read. “It is the Council’s intent to ensure the health and welfare of student-athletes and the communities in which they live.”
Stetson is left with four home games if the season kicks off by October: Valparaiso (Oct. 10), Morehead State (Oct. 24), Marist College (Nov. 7) and Drake University (Nov. 21). The Hatters are now scheduled to kick off the 2020 season on the road at Butler on Sept. 26.
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Matt Murschel at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com.
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