Furman’s football team scored the final 10 points of the game as they fended off Campbell University, taking down the Fighting Camels 28-24 last Saturday. It was the first ever meeting between the two football programs.

The first quarter started off slow for both offenses. Campbell’s defense held Furman to a 23-yard field goal that was booted by graduate placekicker Ian Williams.

In the second quarter, each team’s offense seemed to get into a groove. Campbell opened the quarter’s scoring when sophomore wide receiver Randall King leapt in the end zone to grab a pass from redshirt sophomore quarterback Kamden Sixkiller. The touchdown gave the Camels a 7-3 lead.

The Paladins struck back when sophomore quarterback Trey Hedden connected with sophomore tight end Jackson Pryor for a 24-yard touchdown. Furman then elected to go for two, which was successful thanks to a rush by redshirt junior running back Jayquan Smith. 

Then, with time expiring in the half, the Camels kicked a 34-yard field goal to trail 11-10 going into halftime.

With 8:17 left on the clock in the third quarter, Campbell’s sophomore running back JJ Cowan rushed for a 1-yard touchdown to flip the lead 17-11.

With the third quarter nearly over, Furman redshirt sophomore wide receiver Ja’Keith Hamilton took a 28-yard reception down to the Campbell 1-yard line. Smith then rushed for a touchdown, putting the Dins back on top, 18-17.

Less than a minute into the final frame of the game, Cowan rushed his second touchdown of the game, retaking the lead for Camels, 24-18.

However, Furman’s offense wasn’t done for the day. Williams kicked a 28-yard field goal, having Furman only trail by one.

With 9:13 to play in the game, Hedden marched down the field, completing six straight passes in a nine play, 80-yard drive that was capped off by freshman wide receiver Evan James’ 30-yard touchdown reception.

Then, on fourth down and 16 seconds left, redshirt sophomore defensive end Joshua Stoneking sacked Campbell’s quarterback to seal the 28-24 victory for the Dins.

Hedden went 26-of-35 and threw for 314 yards and two touchdowns. Evans had 134 receiving yards on 10 receptions, while Hamilton finished the day with 104 receiving yards on seven receptions. 

Furman has a bye week next week. They will next head to Birmingham, Ala. for their first Southern Conference test of the season as they face Samford on Saturday, Sept. 27. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m., and the game will be streamed on ESPN+.