Noel, defense help Sacred Heart shut down Stetson 18-14

DELAND, Fla. (AP) RJ Noel passed for 172 yards and two touchdowns, and Sacred Heart totaled 227 yards rushing in an 18-14 win over Stetson Saturday in the

DELAND, Fla. (AP) RJ Noel passed for 172 yards and two touchdowns, and Sacred Heart totaled 227 yards rushing in an 18-14 win over Stetson Saturday in the season opener for both teams.

Noel's 17-yard touchdown pass to Andrew O'Neill with 5:31 left in the third pulled the Pioneers within two at 14-12, and Ose Imeokparia scored on an 80-yard run on Sacred Heart's next offensive snap to take the lead.

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Sacred Heart had an extra point blocked on its first touchdown and failed on both of its two-point conversion attempts.

Stetson went into halftime with a 14-6 lead after Gaven DeFilippo's 22-yard scoring pass to Donald Parham with 2:51 left capped a 13-play, 96-yard drive. But the Hatters were stifled in the second half, totaling just 35 yards on eight possessions - six punts, a fumble and a turnover on downs.

Stetson had 260 total yards in the first half.