Davidson College
3-1
Campbell
2-1
Campbell Escapes With Win Over Football, 31-29
9/21/2019 11:27:00 PM | Football
BUIES CREEK, N.C. –Davidson battled until the end, but fell at the buzzer as host Campbell downed football with a last-second, long-range field goal in a non-conference clash Saturday night at Barker-Lane Stadium, 31-29.
Trailing by a touchdown with under a minute to play, junior quarterback Tyler Phelps orchestrated a magnificent hurry-up drive that featured a long 44-yard completion to Jalen Staples and capped it off with a 19-yard scoring strike to the sophomore wide receiver.
With momentum swung back in Davidson's favor for the first time since the second quarter, head coach Scott Abell called on a two-point conversion try that succeeded. Phelps swept it left to slot Pat Tabor who cut it back inside and went through a defender to give his team a 29-28 edge with just over 20 seconds on the game clock.
Unfortunately, this is not where the story ends. Campbell had some magic of their own as freshman quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams got his squad into Wildcat territory, giving Colin Gary a difficult, but doable field goal attempt. The Camel kicker's attempt had just enough to clear the upright from 50 yards and seal the game as the clock read zeros.
"To our guys, really proud of their effort. You can learn so much in these games and I learned an incredible amount about our guys," said Abell. "What I told them afterwards was 'when this happens it can define you, how's it going to define us and that's really up to us.'"
The Wildcats had opportunities to extend their early lead – Jorell Story broke free for a 71-yard scoring scamper on the second play from scrimmage – but four first half turnovers led to three Camel touchdowns and a 21-7 hole at the break.
Davidson's first drive of the third quarter was much more indicative of the 2019 Wildcat offensive theme, going 93 yards over 16 plays and using a clock gashing 9:15 of game clock. It was Tabor that capped off that drive with his second touchdown of the season.
The 'Cats out-gained Campbell 513 yards to 333, but were unable to overcome the first half blunders.
Davidson sophomore Eli Turner Jr. also lit up the scoreboard for the 'Cats with a two-yard run. Story finished with 127 yards on the ground, while junior back Wesley Dugger scratched and clawed his way for 108 hard-earned yards.
In another strong defensive effort, sophomore defensive end Chibuike Odo led the unit with seven tackles and posted a sack for the third consecutive game. Senior Bryce Perry-Martin and junior Harrison Hill also remained active with six tackles and a sack apiece.
Following an off week, Davidson returns to action Saturday, Oct. 5 when they travel to Morehead State for their Pioneer Football League opener. Kick off in Morehead, Ky. is slated for 1 p.m.
Team Stats
DAV 7, CAM 0
DAV - STORY, James 71 yd run (BONOFFSKI, C. kick), 2 plays, 72 yards, TOP 0:50
DAV 7, CAM 7
CAM - WILLIAMS, H. 6 yd run (GARY, Colin kick), 3 plays, 34 yards, TOP 1:16
DAV 7, CAM 14
CAM - SNEAD, Caleb 33 yd pass from WILLIAMS, H. (GARY, Colin kick) 5 plays, 50 yards, TOP 2:15
DAV 7, CAM 21
CAM - KELSEY, Jalen 29 yd pass from WILLIAMS, H. (GARY, Colin kick) 8 plays, 60 yards, TOP 1:41
DAV 14, CAM 21
DAV - TABOR, Pat 8 yd run (BONOFFSKI, C. kick), 16 plays, 93 yards, TOP 9:12
DAV 14, CAM 28
CAM - KELSEY, Jalen 42 yd pass from WILLIAMS, H. (GARY, Colin kick) 5 plays, 65 yards, TOP 2:21
DAV 21, CAM 28
DAV - TURNER, Eli 2 yd run (BONOFFSKI, C. kick), 8 plays, 72 yards, TOP 2:34
DAV 29, CAM 28
DAV - STAPLES, Jalen 19 yd pass from PHELPS, Tyler (TABOR, Pat rush) 3 plays, 84 yards, TOP 0:35
DAV 29, CAM 31
CAM - GARY, Colin 50 yd field goal 4 plays, 29 yards, TOP 0:23
