Story by
The Sanford Herald, N.C.
No. 18 Campbell holds off N.C. Central, 38-31
- Story byThe Sanford Herald, N.C.
- No. 18 Campbell holds off N.C. Central, 38-31
DURHAM — No. 18 Campbell stopped North Carolina Central on downs on its final three possessions, and Kamden Sixkiller connected with Jyron Waiters for the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter as the Camels held off the Eagles 38-31 Saturday at O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium.
Campbell (5-1) remained unbeaten against FCS opponents at 5-0 and matched the best start through six games in program history.
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The Camels also completed their 2026 nonconference schedule.
N.C. Central fell to 2-4.
Campbell built a 31-14 lead on De'Von Thomas' second touchdown of the night with 10:22 remaining in the second quarter. The Camels scored on five of their first six possessions, while their defense held the Eagles to 68 yards of total offense on their first five possessions.
N.C. Central rallied, however, beginning with Cobey Thompkins' 23-yard touchdown pass to Tristan Stitt before halftime. Riley Daniels added a 47-yard field goal in the third quarter that bounced off the crossbar and through.
After Campbell was stopped on fourth-and-1 at the N.C. Central 38-yard line, Zion Dobson broke free for a 62-yard touchdown run that tied the game at 31 with 6:31 remaining in the third quarter.
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The Eagles drove into Campbell territory on each of their next three possessions, but the Camels' defense stopped them on downs each time.
Campbell regained the lead when Sixkiller found Waiters over the middle for a 9-yard touchdown with 7:28 remaining, giving the Camels a 38-31 advantage.
The 11-play, 56-yard drive took 5:09 off the clock and included a third-and-25 conversion when Sixkiller connected with JJ Cowan for a first down. Five plays later, Sixkiller found Waiters for the winning score.
Sixkiller completed 18 of 35 passes for 226 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed for a touchdown.
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Cowan rushed for 139 yards and a touchdown, recording the fourth 100-yard rushing game of his career. Thomas added 89 yards on 10 carries with two touchdowns.
Christian Campbell caught five passes for 72 yards, while Aaryn Tate had four receptions for 69 yards.
Charles Battaglia led the Campbell defense with a game-high 12 tackles, including two tackles for loss and a sack. Kalen Villanueva and AJ Benton combined for 12 tackles.
