No. 16 Campbell Edges Towson 24-20, Improves to 6-1

BUIES CREEK – Campbell needed every bit of its fourth-quarter defense Saturday afternoon to avoid a Homecoming upset, holding off winless Towson 24-20 at Barker-Lane Stadium to match the best start in program history.

The 16th-ranked Fighting Camels (6-1, 3-0 CAA) stopped Towson on its final four possessions, including a turnover on downs with 1:25 remaining, to secure their sixth victory of the season. The win matched Campbell's single-season record and equaled the program's 6-1 start in 2019.

De'Von Thomas rushed for two touchdowns, while quarterback Kamden Sixkiller threw for 224 yards and a score as Campbell remained unbeaten against FCS opponents this season.

Despite entering the game without a victory, Towson (0-8, 0-4) controlled significant stretches of the contest, outgaining Campbell 442-337 and holding a 13-10 halftime advantage.

The Tigers appeared capable of pulling off the upset until Campbell's defense took control in the final quarter.

Photo Credit: Campbell Athletics

Trailing 24-20, Towson marched 67 yards to the Campbell 8-yard line before Zaydaan Faridi's 26-yard field-goal attempt struck the right upright with 14:50 remaining. The missed opportunity proved costly as the Tigers managed just 46 yards on their final three possessions.

Towson's last chance began at the Campbell 45 with 3:02 remaining, but the Camels forced a turnover on downs at their own 29-yard line to preserve the victory.

The decisive stretch followed a third quarter featuring three lead changes and Campbell's most important defensive play of the afternoon.

Safety Kaleb Simpkins intercepted Towson quarterback Jacob Davis on the first play from scrimmage after halftime, giving the Camels possession at the Tigers' 42-yard line.

Sixkiller capitalized three plays later, connecting with Jyron Waiters on a 22-yard touchdown pass to put Campbell ahead 17-13.

Towson responded with an 11-play, 75-yard drive, capped by Davis' 1-yard touchdown run, to regain the lead at 20-17 with 8:34 remaining in the third quarter.

Campbell answered immediately, covering 71 yards in eight plays before Thomas scored from a yard out to put the Camels ahead for good with 4:54 left in the period.

It was Thomas' second touchdown of the afternoon and his third consecutive game with multiple rushing scores. He finished with 28 yards on seven carries.

The teams had traded scores during a competitive first half. Campbell opened with a 21-yard field goal from Alex Crabb before Towson took a 7-3 lead on Xavier Pugh's 1-yard touchdown run.

Thomas answered with a 13-yard scoring run late in the first quarter, but Davis found CJ Schaeffer for a 2-yard touchdown pass with 1:41 remaining before halftime to give the Tigers a 13-10 advantage.

Towson accumulated 282 first-half yards, including 120 rushing, before Campbell's defense limited the Tigers to 160 yards after intermission.

O'Marion Lewis led the Camels with a season-high 13 tackles and a pass breakup, while Simpkins added 10 tackles and his crucial interception. Jordan Jones contributed seven stops.

Sixkiller completed 20 of 30 passes for 224 yards, one touchdown and an interception. Chinua Ezeigbo led Campbell's receivers with five catches for 68 yards, while Waiters added three receptions for 43 yards.

Davis paced Towson with 257 passing yards and 40 rushing yards, accounting for two touchdowns. Pugh rushed for 75 yards and a score, while Cleveland Charlton caught six passes for 88 yards.

Campbell's victory was its sixth against FCS competition this season, establishing a new program record. The Camels previously reached six overall wins in 2011, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

Now 3-0 in conference play, Campbell will look to continue its historic start when it travels to Maine on October 24 before visiting UAlbany the following week.