BUIES CREEK – In a thrilling back-and-forth contest, Campbell edged out Delaware State 44-41 on Saturday at Barker-Lane Stadium, securing their first home victory of the season. The game was a showcase of offensive firepower, with both teams combining for a staggering 974 yards of total offense.

The star of the day was Campbell's wide receiver Sincere Brown, who put on a spectacular performance with 133 receiving yards and three touchdowns on just five catches. His final score, a two-yard reception from quarterback Chad Mascoe Jr. with only 42 seconds left on the clock, proved to be the game-winner. This clutch play capped off a rapid 79-yard drive that saw the Camels march down the field in just five plays, including crucial catches by VJ Wilkins and RJ Jackson.

Campbell WR Sincere Brown (Photo Credit: Bennett Scarborough)

Mascoe Jr. had an outstanding day under center, completing 18 of 26 passes for 323 yards and three touchdowns. His connection with Brown and Wilkins, who added 115 yards on seven receptions, was pivotal in keeping the Camels' offense rolling throughout the game.

On the other side of the field, Delaware State's offense was equally impressive. Quarterback Marqui Adams threw for 252 yards and four touchdowns, completing 12 of 23 attempts. The Hornets' ground game was particularly potent, led by running back Jaden Sutton, who racked up an impressive 198 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries.

The game was a seesaw battle from start to finish, featuring seven lead changes, with five occurring in the fourth quarter alone. Each time one team seemed to take control, the other would respond with a big play or crucial drive.

Campbell's defense, while giving up significant yardage, made key stops when it mattered most. Linebacker Jojo Pace led the unit with 10 tackles and a critical interception, while Jalen Brooks contributed eight tackles. Defensive lineman Elijah Hawk was a disruptive force, recording 1.5 tackles for loss, including one of Campbell's two sacks on the day.

The final moments of the game were filled with tension as Delaware State, trailing by three points, quickly drove to the Campbell 32-yard line with just seconds remaining. However, Michel Bergeron's 49-yard field goal attempt fell short, sealing the victory for the Camels.

This high-scoring affair showcased the offensive talents of both teams. Campbell's passing attack was particularly effective in the second half, accumulating 346 of their 457 total yards through the air. Delaware State, meanwhile, found success on the ground, rushing for 265 of their 517 total yards.

The game also marked a milestone for Campbell's receiving corps, as Brown and Wilkins became only the second pair of Camels to each surpass 100 receiving yards in a single game. The last time this feat was accomplished was in November 2022 against Bryant.

For Campbell, this victory improves their record to 2-3 and provides a much-needed boost of confidence as they look to build momentum for the remainder of the season. Delaware State, despite the loss, can take solace in their offensive output and the individual performances of players like Adams and Sutton.

Up Next

Campbell hosts in-state FCS rival NC Central while Delaware State hosts Saint Francis.

DOVER, DE – Four different Camels found the end zone and Campbell closed the 2022 season with a 34-7 nonconference win over Delaware State on Saturday at Alumni Stadium.

Hajj-Malik Williams completed 13-of-24 passes for 211 yards and a TD, while eight different Campbell (5-6) receivers caught passes. Austin Hite made four grabs for 72 yards and a touchdown, and Chaney Fitzgerald posted four grabs for a game-high 90 yards. NaQuari Rogers, meanwhile, rushed for 47 yards and a touchdown. 

Campbell limited Delaware State (5-6) to 166 yards of total offense, and just 74 yards passing, registering a season-best 11 tackles for loss.

Campbell DB Myles Rowser returns a fumble. Photo Credit: Rodney Adams

CJ Tillman tallied a career-high 16 tackles with 3.0 stops for loss, including a sack, while Gabe Holmes made eight tackles with a sack and a fumble recovery. Monchovia Gaffney also notched two sacks with a forced fumble and five tackles. 

Thomas Bertrand-Hudon led Delaware State with 139 yards rushing on 28 carries with a touchdown, and Rahkeem Smith totaled 65 yards receiving on two catches. Brooks Parker made five tackles with 2.0 TFLs, including a sack for the Hornets. 

The Camels took a 27-0 lead into the halftime break, with Caleb Dowden’s 38-yard field goal as time expired, his second make of the half. 

Campbell took its opening drive nine plays for 81 yards (3:54), finding the end zone on NaQuari Rogers’ 35-yard touchdown run, spinning off a Delaware State defender. 

Lamagea McDowell punched in a five-yard TD run and Austin Hite hauled in a 27-yard score in the second quarter. 

Mike Swain’s third-quarter blocked punt and recovery in the end zone gave Campbell a 34-0 lead. 

Bertrand-Hudon’s five-yard touchdown with 13:59 remaining put DSU on the board and gave the game its final score. 

Campbell finishes the season at 5-6 overall, while Delaware State dropped to 5-6 on the year. The Camels finished the year with a win for the first time since 2013.