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SAN DIEGO — As the 2024 regular season home finale approaches, the San Diego Toreros aim to secure their third consecutive victory, seeking to maintain their pristine home record in an anticipated clash against the league’s struggling team, the Stetson Hatters, on Saturday, November 16.
The game will be streamed live on ESPN+, with the dynamic Jack Cronin serving as the voice of the Toreros. Fans can catch live updates and exciting highlights by following the official @USDFootball social media accounts.
San Diego Toreros (6-3, 4-2 PFL) • Stetson Hatters (2-7, 0-5 PFL)
Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 • 1 p.m. PST
Torero Stadium (6,000) • San Diego, Calif.
Live Streaming • ESPN+ | Live Statistics/Radio • USDToreros.com
Social • Facebook.com/USDFootball • Twitter.com/USDFootball • Instagram.com/USDFootball
ALL-TIME SERIES AGAINST STETSON
• In a remarkable streak, the Toreros have maintained an immaculate 10-0 record against the Hatters since their inaugural matchup in 2013, showcasing their dominance in this rivalry.
• Impressively, San Diego has triumphed in the last eight encounters with Stetson, boasting victories by an average margin exceeding 24 points. Additionally, they have scored at least 31 points in all ten matchups, proving their offensive prowess, while limiting the Hatters to 10 points or fewer on six occasions.
• Last season, the Toreros showcased their strength, overpowering the Hatters 47-20 in DeLand, Florida, on November 18, 2023, and previously defeating them 34-10 on April 4, 2021, during Stetson’s last visit to Torero Stadium.
SENIOR DAY
• This Saturday, the Toreros will pay tribute to a remarkable group of 22 graduating senior student-athletes, along with student managers and graduate assistants, including notable players like DB Nick Murray, QB Grant Sergent, and RB Kenyon Sims.
• Historically, Senior Day has been kind to the Toreros; prior to an overtime loss to St. Thomas last season, they had claimed victory in eight straight final home games of the regular season, continuing a tradition of success spanning back to 2003.
• With a solid track record against Stetson on Senior Day, the Toreros have previously won both encounters, including a convincing 34-10 victory in the 2020 season and a 42-7 rout in 2006.
NO PLACE LIKE HOME
• Following a dominant victory over Davidson on November 2, the Toreros improved their home record to a flawless 5-0 this season, marking their best start at Torero Stadium since the perfect home campaign of 2018.
• This streak signifies the first instance of the Toreros winning five consecutive games at home since a similar stretch in 2021, leading to an impressive six-game home winning streak during that period.
HIGHEST SCORING DEFENSE
• The Toreros’ ferocious defense has made headlines this season, with six total defensive touchdowns, tying for the most among FCS teams, demonstrating their formidable presence on the field.
• Co-defensive coordinators Mike McGlinchey and Isaac Carter have masterminded a unit that has matched its total touchdowns allowed in three games so far in 2024, showcasing their prowess.
PIONEER LEAGUE PIONEERS
• Several Toreros are shining in the Pioneer Football League, with senior receiver Ja’seem Reed leading the conference in receiving touchdowns (8) and total receiving yards (883), further solidifying his status among the elite in FCS football.
• Graduate quarterback Grant Sergent has taken the league by storm, topping in passing touchdowns (18) and points responsible (110) while sitting high in passing yardage statistics.
• On the defensive side, junior defensive back Ruben Lopez currently leads the league in fumble recoveries, showcasing his vital role in solidifying the Toreros’ defensive efforts.
LAST TIME OUT
• The Toreros achieved their first road victory of the season, improving their record to an impressive 6-3 overall and 4-2 in PFL play after a gritty 16-10 win against Dayton on November 9.
• Senior Logan Gingg was a standout performer with 175 rushing yards and a pivotal touchdown, while the defense forced four turnovers, highlighting the team’s balance and resilience.
KEY PERFORMANCES
• Senior linebacker Giovanni Iovino was instrumental in the defensive effort, forcing two fumble recoveries and contributing significantly with nine total tackles throughout the contest.
• The USD defense dominated, combining for six sacks and 10 tackles for loss, demonstrating their relentless pursuit of excellence against Dayton’s offense.
• Aidan Lehman proved to be a reliable scoring option, achieving a perfect kicking performance with three field goals, securing the Toreros a crucial victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED
• The USD defense set the tone early, forcing a quick three-and-out for Dayton, allowing the offense to capitalize with a field goal to open the scoring.
• San Diego’s defensive pressure prompted critical turnovers, including a strip sack by Jerry Riggins, which helped maintain momentum in their favor.
• Trailing towards the end, crucial plays by the defense, including Zac Cooper’s sack on a fourth down, illustrated the Toreros’ determination to maintain their lead and ultimately secure the win.
LEHMAN NAMED PFL SPECIAL TEAMS POTW
• Honored for his outstanding performance, senior kicker Aidan Lehman received the PFL Special Teams Player of the Week award for his flawless outing in the victory against Dayton.
• Lehman’s accuracy on three field goals, including significant distance kicks, was pivotal in propelling San Diego to their narrow win, earning recognition as the first Torero to receive this accolade in 2024.
THIRTY-POINT QUARTER
• USD made headlines with a record-setting 30 points in a single quarter against Davidson on November 2, marking a high point in offensive production for the team.
2-0 FOR FIRST TIME IN 13 YEARS
• The Toreros kicked off their season with a decisive 26-7 victory over Central Washington, showcasing an offensive strategy fueled by three touchdown passes from Grant Sergent, marking a significant milestone.
A SIGNATURE VICTORY ON OPENING NIGHT
• In a thrilling season opener, USD secured a dramatic 27-21 win over Cal Poly, reinforcing their competitive edge against scholarship programs.
THREE TOREROS NAMED TO 2024 PFL PRESEASON TEAM
• Three notable San Diego athletes earned All-PFL Preseason Team honors, acknowledging their contributions to the team’s ongoing success as they prepared for the season ahead.
What strategies does Coach Chris Johnson believe are key to maintaining the Toreros’ perfect record against the Stetson Hatters?
**Interview with San Diego Toreros Head Coach, Chris Johnson, Ahead of the Match Against Stetson Hatters**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Coach Johnson. With the San Diego Toreros set to face the Stetson Hatters this Saturday, how’s the mood in the locker room as you look for a third consecutive victory?
**Coach Johnson:** The energy is fantastic! The guys are excited, especially with it being Senior Day. We have a great group of seniors who have contributed immensely to this program, and they’re looking to go out strong in front of our home crowd.
**Editor:** You have a perfect 10-0 record against Stetson. What do you attribute this success to, and how do you maintain that momentum?
**Coach Johnson:** It’s a combination of solid preparation, strong play on both sides of the ball, and consistency. Our players have done an excellent job of understanding our game plan and executing it. Our defense has been particularly dominant, and we hope to keep that going this weekend.
**Editor:** Considering Stetson’s struggles this season, have you shifted your strategy in preparation for the game, or do you stick to your own game plan regardless of the opponent’s record?
**Coach Johnson:** We always focus on our game plan first. It’s important to play our style of football and not get distracted by the opponent’s record. That being said, we do our homework on what Stetson brings to the table and adjust where necessary. Every game is an opportunity to improve.
**Editor:** Last week, you secured a gritty win against Dayton. How important is that victory for the confidence of your team?
**Coach Johnson:** It was huge. Winning a tough road game really helps build our confidence and validates what we’ve been working on all season. Our players showed a lot of resilience, especially on defense, and I believe that sets a strong tone heading into this next matchup.
**Editor:** You mentioned the importance of Senior Day. Who are some of the seniors that you believe will leave a lasting legacy on the team?
**Coach Johnson:** We have 22 seniors who have all made significant contributions, and I can’t stress enough how pivotal players like Nick Murray, Grant Sergent, and Kenyon Sims have been. They’ve not only excelled on the field but have also taken on leadership roles, mentoring younger players. Their impact will be felt long after they graduate.
**Editor:** with the game being streamed live on ESPN+ and the fans getting involved on social media, how do you view the role of community support in your team’s success?
**Coach Johnson:** Community support is everything. Our fans create a fantastic atmosphere at Torero Stadium, and that energy plays a big role in our home-field advantage. We’re encouraged by the engagement on social media as well—it really brings everyone together and helps us feel the love and support from our fanbase.
**Editor:** Thank you for your time, Coach Johnson. We look forward to seeing how the Toreros perform this Saturday against Stetson!
**Coach Johnson:** Thank you! We can’t wait to see everyone at the game!
