WINSTON-SALEM – Wake Forest began the Jake Dickert era with a hard-fought 10-9 victory over Kennesaw State on Friday night at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium, as the Demon Deacons survived a defensive battle in front of 30,789 fans to open the 2025 season.

In a game that featured just 19 total points and minimal offensive fireworks, Wake Forest relied on methodical execution and timely defensive stops to secure its first victory under new head coach Dickert. The win improved Wake Forest's impressive record in season openers, continuing a trend of strong starts that has defined the program in recent years.

Early Exchange Sets Tone

The game's opening sequence established what would become a pattern of sustained drives and defensive resilience. Wake Forest struck first with a masterful 14-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that consumed over seven minutes of the first quarter. The methodical march culminated in a five-yard touchdown run by redshirt senior quarterback Robby Ashford, showcasing the balanced attack that would characterize the Demon Deacons' offensive approach throughout the evening.

Kennesaw State answered immediately with their own impressive touchdown drive. The Owls managed a 10-play, 75-yard scoring march capped by a 19-yard touchdown run from C. Bennett. However, a failed extra point attempt left Kennesaw State trailing 7-6, a missed opportunity that would prove costly in the narrow final margin.

Ashford Commands Wake Forest Offense

Ashford, making his Wake Forest debut, delivered a steady performance that balanced efficiency with timely playmaking. The redshirt senior completed 20 of 28 passes for 218 yards while adding 42 rushing yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. His dual-threat capability kept Kennesaw State's defense honest throughout the game, particularly on the opening touchdown drive where he completed all five pass attempts for 43 yards.

The receiving corps provided reliable support, with redshirt senior tight end Eni Falayi leading the way with four catches for 52 yards. His 18-yard reception marked the most productive tight end performance for Wake Forest in recent memory. Sophomore receiver Micah Mays Jr. contributed three catches for 33 yards, while Chris Barnes added three receptions for 23 yards and also handled kickoff return duties effectively.

Ground Game Provides Balance

Wake Forest's rushing attack, while not spectacular, proved effective in controlling the game's tempo. Five different players contributed to the team's 130 rushing yards, with Ashford leading the way with his 42 yards and touchdown. Running back Taye Clark added 37 yards on 11 carries, while Jamario Clements contributed 26 yards on 11 attempts, including a crucial fourth-down conversion on the opening scoring drive.

Kennesaw State countered with a more productive ground game, accumulating 158 rushing yards led by Bennett's 66 yards and touchdown on 17 carries. Quarterback Dexter Williams II added 44 yards on 14 carries, demonstrating the dual-threat capability that kept Wake Forest's defense challenged throughout the contest.

Defensive Units Shine

Both defenses delivered impressive performances in what became a field position battle for much of the evening. Wake Forest's defense effectively contained Kennesaw State's passing attack, limiting Williams II to just 12 completions on 33 attempts for 149 yards. The pressure was consistent, with the Demon Deacons recording four sacks, including efforts from Gabe Kirschke and Jayden Loving.

Redshirt senior defensive back Nick Andersen paced Wake Forest's defensive effort with nine total tackles and two pass breakups, providing steady coverage and run support. The defensive line contributed three tackles for loss, disrupting Kennesaw State's offensive rhythm at crucial moments.

Kennesaw State's defense proved equally stingy, recording two sacks and seven tackles for loss while forcing several three-and-out sequences. The Owls' ability to generate pressure helped keep the game competitive despite their offensive struggles in the passing game.

Fourth Quarter Drama

The game's decisive moments came in the third quarter when both teams managed their only scoring after halftime. Kennesaw State took a 9-7 lead with 9:45 remaining in the third quarter on a 29-yard field goal by D. Kinney, capping a 14-play, 64-yard drive that showcased their offensive patience and precision.

Wake Forest responded with the game-winning drive, aided by a spectacular 41-yard reception from Karate Brenson that moved the Demon Deacons into scoring position. Connor Calvert converted the ensuing 22-yard field goal attempt with 3:05 remaining in the third quarter, providing what would prove to be the winning margin.

The fourth quarter became a defensive showcase, with both teams struggling to sustain drives. Wake Forest's defense secured the victory with a crucial fourth-down stop, forcing a turnover on downs with under two minutes remaining to preserve the narrow lead.

Looking Ahead

Wake Forest's season-opening victory, while not aesthetically pleasing, demonstrated the type of resilience and execution that championship teams display in challenging circumstances. The Demon Deacons controlled time of possession 35:01 to 24:59 and converted efficiently on third downs, going 6-for-17 compared to Kennesaw State's 9-for-21 mark.

The victory sets a positive tone for the Dickert era while highlighting areas for improvement as the season progresses. Now 12-3 in season openers over the last fifteen seasons, Wake Forest will look to build on this foundation when they return to action next week, taking on in-state FCS foe Western Carolina on Saturday afternoon.

BUIES CREEK – No.-11 Kennesaw State scored 21 unanswered points around halftime and held on for a 38-35 win over Campbell Saturday at Barker-Lane Stadium.

Campbell (6-3, 3-1 Big South) twice cut the Owls (8-2, 3-1) advantage to three in the final period, but could not regain the lead.

Kennesaw backup quarterback Tommy Bryant came off the bench to run for 105 yards on 27 carries and add 91 more in the air on 5-of-7 completions in the Owls’ option attack.  Shaquil Terry had all five receptions for Kennesaw, good for 91 yards and two scores, while gaining 28 on the round on six attempts.

Campbell finished with a 386-343 advantage in total offense, and ran 71 plays to 61 for the visitors, but Kennesaw converted a pair of interceptions into 14 points in the second half.

Hajj-Malik Williams ran for 110 yards and threw for 233 more for the Camels, who have lost consecutive games for the first time this year.  Caleb Snead had 99 receiving yards on six catches.

Campbell WR Caleb Snead had 99 receiving yards on six catches Photo Credit: Bennett Scarborough

Justice Galloway-Velazquez had 18 tackles and Dorian Jones 10 stops for Campbell.  Le’Vonte Larry led Kennesaw with eighth tackles.

The Camels led 21-10 with 1:57 led in the second quarter after Williams scored on a five-yard run.  However KSU drew with seven on Bryant’s 20-yard pass to Terry with just 30 seconds left in the second period.

Markeith Montgomery’s interception gave Kennesaw the ball at its own 20 with 10:53 left in the third, and the Owls drove 80 yards on 12 played to grab the lead on Bryant’s two-yard run.

On the next possession, Bryson Armstrong intercepted a tipped pass and returned it to the Camel 26.  Bryant then hit Terry on a 26-yard scoring pass to extend the margin to 31-21 with 2:33 left in the third.

Chris Cromartie recovered Bryant’s fumble on a hand off to set up the Camels at the KSU 34.  Williams connected with Snead on a 21-yard pass to set up Cameron Davis’ 3-yard run and trim the margin to 31-28 with 12:38 remaining.

Antavius Grier returned the ensuing kickoff 58 yards to the Campbell 37 and the Owls ran 5:38 off the clock before Bryant dove across from one yards out to again stretch the margin to 10 (38-28) with 6:51 remaining.

The Camels drove 74 yards to cut the gap to 38-35 on Williams’ 7-yard scoring pass to Snead with 3:01 to play.  However, Kennesaw was able to run out the clock to seal the win.

The Camels jumped in front with 5:04 left in the opening quarter on a two-yard run by Johnathan Hawkins.  Williams’ 20-yard run and a 33-yard completion to Jalen Kelsey set up Campbell with a first down on the two.

Nathan Robertson’s 43-yard field goal on the first play of the second quarter cut the Campbell lead to 7-3.

Campbell answered with a 7-play, 79-yard drive capped by Williams’ nine-yard run to push the margin to 14-3.

However, the Owls responded with an 11-play drive to trim the margin to 14-10 on Bryant’s 8-yard rush with 6:27 to play in the half.

The Camels close out their home schedule next Saturday against Monmouth at 1:00 p.m. Kennesaw State travels to Hampton.

KENNESAW, GA. – Chandler Burks broke the Big South Conference career rushing TDs record and No.-2 Kennesaw State defeated visiting Campbell 49-0 Saturday to extend its win streak to eight games.

The Owls (8-1, 4-0 Big South) also stretched their home win streak to 14 games, longest in Big South history while outgaining the Camels (5-4, 0-3) 467-138.

Campbell’s Terence Harper (57) brings down Kyle Glover of Kennesaw State in second half action Saturday (photo by Karl Moore)

After a scoreless first quarter, Burks scored on runs of 1, 50 and 1 yards in the second to give the Owls a 21-0 lead at halftime.  Darnell Holland then returned the second half kickoff 84 yards for a score.

Burks hit Justin Sumpter on a 24-yard scoring pass; then added a 4-yard run to push the margin to 42 after three quarters. Backup quarterback Daniel David connected with TJ Reed on a 23-yard pass in the fourth period for the final margin.

Shaquil Terry gained 112 yards on eight carries, while Burks added 97 in 12 rushes and Kyle Glover picked up 70 yards on 10 attempts for the Owls.  Burks completed 3-of-4 passes for 49 yards, while Sumpter had three receptions for 49.

Kennesaw State’s option attack finished with 395 yards on the ground, while Campbell was limited to 92 rushing yards.

Campbell quarterback Daniel Smith entered the game tied for first in the Big South in touchdown passes (1) and seventh in the FCS in points responsibility (18.9), but the Camels were limited to only five first downs and shutout for the first time this season.

Rocky Reid gained 55 yards on seven carries, including a 44-yard run in the opening quarter.  Smith finished with 29 rushing yards on 12 attempts and completed 4-of-8 passes for 46 yards.  Aaron Blockmon had two catches for 32 yards.

Tywun Rivens led the Camels with nine total tackles, while Levi Wiggins added eight stops, all solo.  Dorian Walker and Charlie Patrick had five tackles apiece for Kennesaw State.

Campbell returns to action next Saturday (Nov. 10) in a 12 noon kickoff at Presbyterian.