MONTGOMERY, Al. — The #10 Fighting Camels found themselves with their backs against the goal line late in the game but the Hornets’ poor clock management let time expire, giving Campbell the 31-28 victory. A 40-yard field goal in the third quarter by Crush Biggs proved to be the difference in this one. Coach Justin Average was drenched in sweat when he stepped to the podium to take questions.

“I was fully expecting to go to overtime for this one. I almost hated to see it end this way. The Hornets are a tough squad and they came ready with their A-game this week.”

Campbell dominated the time of possession, 18:00 to 10:00 and while halfback Abom Snow provided the game’s only turnover, the team was able to rally and score with only 0:39 left to play.

“I thought the offense showed excellent poise late in the fourth quarter. We absolutely had to score and that 12-play possession was crucial. I was especially proud of Abom, we gave him the ball on that 4th down conversion attempt and he picked up 30 yards, really redeemed himself for his mistake earlier in the game.”

Coach Average was asked how he approached his running back after the mental mistake.

“I honestly grabbed his helmet when he got to the sideline and tried my hardest to give him a concussion. I figured if he can’t remember his mistakes he won’t be afraid to make them again, and it payed off for us in the end. He’s our guy the rest of the season, knock-on-wood, and we’re trusting him when it gets down to crunch time.”

Alabama State out-gained the Camels 369-314 but couldn’t get the special teams unit on the field fast enough in the waning seconds. The Hornets drop to 3-4 and 1-3 in conference play, while Campbell improves to 6-2 and 3-1 in against conference foes.