Story by
The Sanford Herald, N.C.
Camels down No. 24 Western Carolina 28-19 in home opener
- Story byThe Sanford Herald, N.C.
- Camels down No. 24 Western Carolina 28-19 in home opener
BUIES CREEK — Campbell rolled up more than 500 yards of total offense and held No. 24 Western Carolina to just 1 rushing yard, topping the visiting Catamounts 28-19 Sunday at Barker-Lane Stadium.
With the home-opening win, the Camels (2-0) earned their first 2-0 start since 2018 and the program's second victory over an FCS top-25 opponent. Campbell's previous ranked win came against then-No. 17 Western Carolina, 24-16, on Sept. 7, 2024.
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Western Carolina's (1-1) single rushing yard marked the fewest Campbell has allowed against a nonconference opponent and the second fewest in program history . The Camels held Maine to minus-7 rushing yards on Oct. 21, 2023.
Campbell finished with 528 yards of total offense, its second consecutive game with more than 500 yards. The defense added seven tackles for loss and held Western Carolina to 2 of 13 on third-down attempts.
Sunday's game was originally scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Saturday but was delayed for more than two hours because of lightning in the area. An electrical issue caused by the severe weather then caused one of the stadium's four main light banks to malfunction, prompting officials to postpone the game until Sunday because of player safety concerns.
Campbell jumped out to a 21-3 lead early in the second quarter, finding the end zone on its first two drives. Kamden Sixkiller connected with Brady Ambrose for a 6-yard touchdown to cap a 10-play, 91-yard opening drive before Sixkiller scored on an 8-yard run.
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After Bryan McCollum put Western Carolina on the board with a 23-yard field goal, the Camels answered two drives later with Ethan Lawrence 's 1-yard touchdown run, which was set up by a 43-yard pass from Sixkiller to Ambrose.
The Catamounts cut Campbell's lead to 21-10 when Lex Thomas connected with Jai Boyd for a 48-yard touchdown with 2:57 remaining in the first half. The Camels responded just 30 seconds later when Sixkiller found Spencer Jones for a 32-yard touchdown, giving Campbell a 28-10 halftime lead.
Campbell limited Western Carolina to nine points in the second half to hold on for the 28-19 victory.
Sixkiller completed 29 of 44 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns with three interceptions. He also added a rushing touchdown.
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Jones recorded a career-high 126 receiving yards and a touchdown on seven catches. He was one of eight Camels with at least two receptions. Ambrose added three catches for 52 yards, including his first career touchdown.
JJ Cowan rushed for 83 yards, while Lawrence added 67 yards and a touchdown.
AJ Benton led the Campbell defense with eight tackles, including a sack, and added a pass breakup. Justin Garza recorded two tackles for loss, including a sack, while Michael Gilliam broke up two passes and added two tackles.
Thomas led Western Carolina with 326 passing yards and two touchdowns, completing 25 of 44 attempts. Both touchdown passes went to Boyd. AJ Colombo added six catches for 91 yards.
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Joshua Collins led the Catamounts defensively with a game-high nine tackles, including a sack.
NEXT UP
Campbell travels to Florida on Sept. 12 for a 5:30 p.m. kickoff. It will be the Camels' first meeting with the Gators and their first game against an SEC opponent.
Campbell returns home Sept. 19 to host North Carolina A&T at 6 p.m. in its CAA opener. The Camels will celebrate 910 Night, with postgame fireworks.
