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SPORTS

Freshman Wesley Dugger evades the Campbell defense. Dugger scored three of the Wildcat’s touchdowns on the afternoon.

DAVIDSON, N.C. – Campbell’s Daniel Smith rushed for 289 yards and four touchdowns as Davidson football fell at home in Pioneer Football League action at Richardson Stadium Saturday, 42-29.

With the loss, Davidson drops to 2-7 overall and 0-6 in the PFL, while with the win Campbell improves to 6-4 and 5-2 in league action.

In a game that featured a pair of the best freshman talent in the conference, Smith and Wesley Dugger of Davidson did not disappoint. Following four consecutive Camel touchdowns and in a 35-15 hole, the ‘Cats went to work on the back of their rookie rusher. Dugger recorded a pair of touchdowns in the third to bring Davidson back within a possession heading into the final frame, 35-29.

Campbell opened the fourth with a 70-yard, 10-play drive that ended with Smith’s fourth touchdown of the game and the two teams battled out scoreless the remainder of the fourth.

Dugger had a stellar day opposite Smith, churning out 139 yards on 27 carries and finding the end zone three times. The last Wildcat to rush for three scores was Justin Williams in 2007. The rookie finished with 139 yards on 27 carries, his fourth 100-yard game of the season.

Freshman quarterback Tyler Phelps led the Wildcat offense.

Davidson showed resolve in the first quarter after allowing Campbell an opening possession touchdown. Freshman quarterback Tyler Phelps orchestrated a 12-play, 76-yard scoring drive of their own, capped off with Dugger’s first trip to the end zone to even it at seven apiece.

Momentum stayed with the ‘Cats as the Davidson defense held Campbell to a three-and-out and the punt snap sailed over Campbell punter Brad Dennis’ head and into the end zone for a safety.
The Wildcats extended their lead out to 15-7 with a pair of Trevor Smith field goals. Smith’s first converted kick, a 35-yarder, broke the school of record of 34 set by Daniel Hanks set in 2002. The Tampa, Fla., native added a 23-yard kick in the second for the 36th of his career.

It was Smith of Campbell that the assault, rushing for three of the Camels four straight touchdowns and jumping out to the 35-15 advantage.

Phelps was sharp in the passing game, completing 32 of 60 attempts (287 total yards) against the Camels, who rank first in the league in defense.  The 60 attempts ranks fourth all-time in Davidson team single-game history.

Junior Preston Grase (4) was in the right place at the right time and pulled down this interrupted pass for a Wildcat interception.

Sophomore Hunter Louthan was a favorite target again for Phelps, catching 7 passes for a team-high 68 yards, while William Wicks hauled in 6 receptions for 62 yards. Defensively junior defensive end Boo Jordan led the team with 8 total tackles, 5 solo, and forced and recovered a fumble.

Davidson returns to Richardson Stadium Saturday, Nov. 11 for the final home game of the season against the Torreros of San Diego. The Class of 2018 will be recognized prior to the 12 p.m. kickoff.

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