ORONO, Maine. — #9 Campbell’s defense shut out the #11 Maine offense in the second half to secure the 35-11 victory over the weekend. This was the FCS’s only ranked match-up this week and FCS Game-Day was on hand to celebrate. A touching moment on the first play from scrimmage as Maine kneeled and asked for a 97-second moment of silence in honor of their star right guard Frankie DeBlanc, missing the game due to surgery on complications from his recent car crash. The sold-out stadium gave a rousing cheer at the end of the silence as play resumed.

Coach Average’s offense used the run game to their advantage, tallying 290 yards and winning the time-of-possession battle.

“I was really proud of the way [QB] Stabbington managed the game today, much better than previous weeks and really validating my choice to have him lead us going forward.”

Stabbington gained 124 yards on 15 carries and two touchdowns. His backfield partners also did well on the day, with halfback Abom Snow reaching 111 yards on 10 carries and one touchdown, and fullback Y. White tallying 46 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. Coach Average also praised the defense.

“We worked hard to shore up our assignments and tighten the cracks that were forming and it showed. Three turnovers, including two in the waning moments of the game, really makes me happy with the progress they are making.”

The Camels started fast, scoring on an 85-yard punt return by Pablo Sanchez on the fourth play of the game. The Maine Black Bears went 4-and-out the next time around and then Stabbington handed the ball to Snow on second down and watched the halfback scamper for a 70-yard touchdown run.

Maine scored a two-point conversion at the end of the first half and looked to capitalize on that momentum, but Campbell ran the ball well in the second half, wearing down the defense and the clock. Coach Average spoke highly of his opponent.

“Maine is a good team, really caught us off guard on that conversion in the second quarter. I wouldn’t be surprised to still see them in the Top 25 next week.”

Maine’s Head Coach Collin Torres was seen in the hallway yelling something about his love for soup and then he sent an assistant to find out “where the bread went.” He was not happy about the result but remained positive about the future.

“I’m disappointed in how our team played in our biggest game of the year, but one loss isn’t going to destroy our confidence.”

He moved away but answered over his shoulder as another reporter asked if they planned to do anything differently next week.

“Going to be playing more aggressive on defense.”

Campbell improves to 3-1 on the season as they prepare for the start of conference play against Alabama A&M. Maine drops to 2-1 and will also be preparing for their first conference game against Fordham in Week Five.