Camels comeback falls short as Elon holds on

by Dunn Area Sports Staff | Sep 24, 2023 | Campbell, News & Features

Trevon Booker has possession after an Elon fumble.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

BUIES CREEK — Campbell scored 14 fourth quarter points, but its comeback attempt came up short, as the Camels fell, 28-24, to Elon in Coastal Athletic Association play on Saturday at Barker-Lane Stadium.

Campbell (2-2, 1-2 CAA) trailed 28-10 at the end of the third quarter after Elon’s (2-2, 2-0 CAA) Jalen Hampton scored his fourth touchdown. The Camels then found the end zone on back to back possessions, with V.J. Wilkins and NaQuari Rogers TDs, bringing CU within 28-24 after a failed point after try, with 4:27 to play.

Elon chewed up 3:25 of play before punting the ball back to the Camels with 56 seconds left in regulation. Campbell used five plays to get into Elon territory, driving to the Phoenix 37 before time expired.

Hampton led the Phoenix with 169 yards on 33 carries, highlighting an Elon offense that rushed for 242 yards. Matthew Downing completed 13 of 27 passes for 116 yards and an interception, while Johncarlos Miller caught four passes for 55 yards.

Nine Phoenix players combined for seven sacks, including one from Caleb Curtain, who also matched a game-high with 10 tackles. Bo Sanders also registered 10 stops, adding an interception.

Hajj-Malik Williams paced Campbell with a season-high 367 passing yards, completing 33-of-44 throws with a TD and an interception, while Wilkins hauled in a career-high 114 yards on 10 catches with his fourth quarter score. Jalen Kelsey added 65 yards on five grabs, while Chaney Fitzgerald also made five catches for 55 yards. Rogers combined for 54 yards, including 32 on the ground with a touchdown, and 22 yards receiving.

Monchovia Gaffney led Campbell’s defense with 10 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble. D’Marcus Harrington added nine tackles, while C.J. Tillman tallied eight, including two stops for loss with a forced fumble.

The Camels have a nonconference contest at North Carolina Central on Saturday at 4 p.m. (ESPN+).

(Campbell media services provided the basis for this report)