BUIES CREEK – Lamagea McDowell delivered a standout performance, rushing for a career-high 114 yards and two touchdowns, propelling Campbell to a thrilling 34-28 Homecoming victory over Maine at Barker-Lane Stadium.
The win pushed the Camels to a 4-3 season record and an impressive 3-2 in CAA play. It was a historic day for Campbell, as they secured their first home CAA victory. On the other side, Maine found themselves at 2-6 overall and 1-4 in conference games.
Campbell took control of the game early, building a commanding 28-7 halftime lead. McDowell played a pivotal role in this surge, finding the end zone twice during the first half. The Camels managed to score on four consecutive possessions after their opening drive had stalled.
Jalen Kelsey added to Campbell's lead with a 33-yard touchdown pass from Hajj-Malik Williams, extending the gap to three scores with 3:09 remaining in the third quarter.
However, Maine displayed resilience, mounting a comeback with touchdown receptions of 33 and 18 yards by Rohan Jones. These scores brought the Black Bears within striking distance, at 34-28, with just 6:12 left on the clock.
With Maine gaining momentum and Campbell's lead shrinking, the Camels needed a crucial play to secure the win. That play came in the form of an interception by Trevon Booker, who picked off Derek Robertson's second pass attempt with 2:51 left in the game. This key turnover allowed Campbell to hold on to their lead and emerge victorious.
The Camels' defense delivered a remarkable performance, limiting the Black Bears to -7 rushing yards, setting a school record for the fewest rushing yards allowed in a single game.
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| Campbell RB Lamagea McDowell Photo Credit: Bennett Scarborough) |
Lamagea McDowell had a standout day, rushing 26 times in his first career 100-yard rushing game, contributing 114 of the team's total 168 rushing yards. Hajj-Malik Williams orchestrated the passing game effectively, throwing for 242 yards and two touchdowns on 26-of-33 pass completions.
VJ Wilkins was a reliable target, making eight catches for 79 yards, while Chaney Fitzgerald added five receptions for 46 yards. Jalen Kelsey also contributed with two catches for 36 yards, including a touchdown.
The Campbell defense was led by CJ Tillman, who tallied 10 tackles and forced a fumble in the first half. Trevon Booker added five tackles to his name, along with the game-clinching interception.
Maine's Derek Robertson had an impressive passing day, throwing for 503 yards and four touchdowns. He completed 36-of-52 passes but also threw two interceptions. Joe Gillette was a standout receiver, recording six catches for 135 yards, while Rohan Jones and Jamie Lamson both hauled in two touchdown passes.
Kahzir Brown led Maine's defense with 10 tackles, including a sack, while Damon Matthews and Abdul Stewart added eight tackles each.
Campbell is set to embark on a challenging road trip for three of their final four regular-season games in 2023. They will travel to Richmond for the first time next week (October 28), followed by a visit to North Carolina on November 4 for their final nonconference matchup. The Camels will return home on November 11 for a showdown with top-10 ranked Delaware.
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