BUIES CREEK — No. 16 Campbell’s defense stopped Towson on its final four possessions, and De’Von Thomas rushed for two touchdowns as the Fighting Camels held on for a 24-20 Homecoming victory Saturday at Barker-Lane Stadium.
The Camels improved to 6-1 overall, matching the best start in program history, set in 2019, and equaling the school’s single-season record for victories, achieved in 2011, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
Campbell also improved to 3-0 in Coastal Athletic Association play and remained unbeaten against FCS opponents this season. Its six victories over FCS opponents are the most in program history.
Towson fell to 0-8 overall and 0-4 in conference play.
The Tigers led 13-10 at halftime behind touchdowns from Xavier Pugh and CJ Schaeffer. Pugh rushed for 60 yards on seven carries in the first half, while quarterback Jacob Davis completed 11 of 16 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown.
Towson gained 282 yards of total offense in the first half, including 120 rushing yards, but Campbell’s defense tightened after halftime.
The Camels limited the Tigers to 160 total yards and 65 rushing yards in the second half. Campbell held its opponent scoreless in the fourth quarter for the fourth time in its last five games.
Kaleb Simpkins intercepted Davis on the first play from scrimmage in the third quarter, helping spark Campbell’s comeback.
Quarterback Kamden Sixkiller connected with Jyron Waiters on a 22-yard touchdown pass to give the Camels a 17-13 lead.
Towson answered with an 11-play, 75-yard scoring drive, capped by a Davis touchdown run, to regain the lead at 20-17.
Campbell responded with an eight-play, 71-yard drive, ending with Thomas’ second rushing touchdown of the game. The score put the Camels ahead 24-20 with 4:54 remaining in the third quarter.
The Tigers threatened again on their next possession, driving 67 yards to the Campbell 8-yard line. However, a 26-yard field goal attempt struck the right upright, preserving the Camels’ four-point advantage.
Campbell’s defense then limited Towson to 46 yards on its final three possessions, forcing two punts and a turnover on downs with 1:25 remaining.
Sixkiller completed 20 of 30 passes with one touchdown and added 24 rushing yards.
Thomas rushed for 28 yards on seven carries and scored twice, marking his third consecutive game and fourth overall this season with two rushing touchdowns.
Chinua Ezeigbo led Campbell’s receivers with five catches for 68 yards, while Waiters caught three passes for 43 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, O’Marion Lewis recorded a season-high 13 tackles and a pass breakup. Simpkins added a season-best 10 tackles and an interception, while Jordan Jones finished with seven tackles.
Davis led Towson with 257 passing yards, completing 23 of 39 attempts with one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed for 40 yards and a touchdown.
Pugh finished with 75 rushing yards and a touchdown on 12 carries, while Cleveland Charlton caught six passes for a game-high 88 yards.
Seth Chestnut led the Tigers with eight tackles, including one for loss, while Myles Johnson added seven tackles and an interception.
Campbell will travel to Maine on Saturday, Oct. 24, for a 1 p.m. kickoff before visiting UAlbany on Oct. 31.
The Camels will return to Barker-Lane Stadium to face Stony Brook on Nov. 7 and Monmouth on Nov. 21.