Albany Outduels Campbell 45-35 Behind Colón and Defensive Scores
Kai Colón threw two touchdown passes and Albany’s defense forced multiple mistakes, propelling the Great Danes to a 45-35 victory over Campbell on Saturday.
The conference matchup turned on explosive plays and defensive surges. Albany built an early advantage when Dillon Dunathan scooped up a fumble and returned it 77 yards for a touchdown. That defensive momentum set the tone for the afternoon, as the Great Danes eventually built a 38-21 lead midway through the third quarter.
How the Scoring Unfolded in Albany
After Dunathan broke the ice, Albany capitalized on another fumble recovery. This time, Kai Colón kept the ball and ran 14 yards into the end zone, stretching the lead to 14-7. Before the first quarter ended, Rahshan La Mons burst through for a 63-yard rushing touchdown, putting the Great Danes ahead 21-7.
Campbell responded in the second quarter to narrow the gap, but Albany still held a 31-21 edge at halftime. The third quarter brought more defensive fireworks for the home side. Jamari Young intercepted a pass from Kamden Sixkiller and returned it 25 yards for another Albany defensive score, pushing the margin to 38-21.
The Fighting Camels refused to fold. Sixkiller connected with Chinua Ezeigbo on a 27-yard touchdown pass, and JJ Cowan’s 41-yard touchdown run made it 38-35 early in the fourth quarter.
Stops and Statistics Define the Stretch Run
Faced with a surging opponent, the Albany defense tightened up down the stretch, holding Campbell to a punt and two turnovers on downs to halt Campbell’s comeback bid. Colón then sealed the win by throwing a 16-yard touchdown pass to BJ Norman.
When the final whistle blew, the statistical ledger reflected a hard-fought contest:
- Kai Colón: 214 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, and 1 rushing touchdown.
- BJ Norman: 8 receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown.
- Rahshan La Mons: 119 rushing yards.
- Shawan Lewis: 3 1/2 sacks, bringing his season total to 9 1/2.
- Kamden Sixkiller: 271 passing yards and a touchdown for Campbell.
- Chinua Ezeigbo: 110 receiving yards.
- JJ Cowan: 97 rushing yards and three touchdowns.
With the outcome secured, Albany improved its record to 6-3 overall and 4-1 in the Coastal Athletic Association. Meanwhile, Campbell dropped to 7-2 overall and 4-1 in conference play. The Fighting Camels entered the matchup ranked No. 12 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25, carrying the weight of a 7-1 start that marked their first 7-win season since the program was restarted 19 years ago.
Looking ahead to next week, Campbell prepares to face Stony Brook, while Albany hits the road to take on Bryant.
