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Season Opener for ETSU at William B. Greene Jr. Stadium. Kickoff set at 5:32pm, EST. With Coach Healy’s Second Season at the helm, The Bucs are eager to show that their postseason work has paid off.
First Quarter
First Drive for Campbell riddled with flags and 3rd down conversions. However it ended with a 30 yard touchdown pass straight to E. Austin from QB K. Sixkiller. The Bucs left the end zone wide open, leaving Campbell a clear path. With a extra point, Campbell held the lead at 12:07 against The Bucs. ETSU took possession, then going 3 and out with an almost fumble in the mix.
ETSU’s Luke Stewart punted for a solid 45 yards to Campbell’s 20, but Jyron Waiter returned for 35 yards to set up Campbell for a solid drive. The Buc’s defense this far into the 1st was not the heavy hitting defense the SoCon is used to. That, or maybe Campbell did their research and has ETSU’s number.
With Fourth & 3 on the line, Campbell’s Sixkiller is cornered and pushed back, and threw towards the end zone hoping for a catch but was broken up by ETSU’s Mike Jenkins. ETSU gained possession by downs, and utilized it to get themselves on the board. With a 55 yard gain from Harrison, and another 18 from Weary who pushed past the pylons, The Bucs are on the board.
However, the 7-7 tie did not last long as the Camels had possession and again put another TD on the board.
Second Quarter
Starting the 2nd Quarter, The Bucs were able to stifle the Camels forcing 3 and out. This drive for The Bucs was boosted by Jaiden Daniels for 33 rushing yards. Additionally, Brandon Winton had a gain for 6 to boot. TJ Peyton had the scoring play, with a rush up the right for a gain of 3 and a push through the pylons. The EP from Ewan Johnson was good to set the score 21-14 ETSU.
Bucs’ Ewan Johnson punted for 65 yards, and a fair catch call from Campbell set them at the 25.
Campbell scored with a rushing TD from Sixkiller to tie it back up to 21-21.2 minute mark- 2 and 22nd on Campbell 41. ETSU going for 53yd FG, had the distance but went just left.
Campbell got possession again, and completed 5 downs, 4 of which were 1st downs converted. Sixkiller passed to #11 Stevie Keener for a 26 yard pass, then rushed 3 yards for a TD. Score now 28-24. ETSU took the ball back with 00:25 on the clock. Started at the 25, was successful in getting to Campbell’s 32 line but stopped short. Kicker Ewan Johnson made a successful 44yd FG to wrap up the first half.
Third Quarter, 28-24, Bucs Behind
ETSU received the kickoff for the second half, but didn’t hang onto the ball long enough. Because of the 3:37 of possession for ETSU, they turned over on downs to give Campbell control. The Camels held onto the ball for almost twice as long as The Bucs previously. An overall lackluster quarter for ETSU this time, as Campbell was the only offense to score.
Closing out the 3rd, Campbell 35-24 after a productive drive from Sixkiller at the end of the 3rd.
Final Quarter, Bucs down bad 35-24
The Camels came out swinging in the 4th, with another touchdown within the first minute, bringing it to 42-24. However, The Bucs responded with a score of their own but fell short on a 2 pt conversion attempt.
Campbell back in control, but went 3 and out. ETSU scored again this quarter with stellar plays from Winton and Browder. The Bucs starting to close the gap 42-37 with 5:34 left. However, in response, the Camels pushed against Bucs’ Defense and scored again to raise the score to 49-37.
With 1:48 left in the contest, ETSU has enough time to make one final push to score again. Mims and The Bucs make it past Campbell’s 30 before the Camels forced a fumble, taking control back on the field. Campbell takes home the win, final score 49-37.
Looking Ahead to Week 1
ETSU hosts Tusculum next week, with a 5:30pm kickoff. The Pioneers and The Bucs have not met on the gridiron since 1950, yet being so close in proximity. Go to https://etsubucs.com/sports/football for more information.
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