BUIES CREEK, NC. — Senior running back Abom Snow coughed up the ball on the Jacksonville State 22 yard line and watched from the turf as the Gamecocks scored to make it 34-20 in favor of the visitors as the clock struck zero. Jacksonville State slammed the door shut on Campbell’s playoff hopes and strengthened their position in the committee rankings with the win. Gamecock coach Hayden Alexander spoke to reporters with reserved excitement after the game.

“First off, hats off to the guys over at Campbell and to all the folks involved in Buies Creek. The atmosphere was electrifying and perfect for such an important match-up. Coming into this week, we knew the offensive approach ran by the Camels was similar to ours, and that they were successful at running it. Game preparation was key and it paid off. Not really allowing too many of the big runs, keeping the game to small amounts of yards at a time, and keeping the ball in our possession were the main takeaways.”

Coach Alexander praised his defensive unit again and wiped his forehead as he spoke to the emotions he experienced during the final half minute of the fourth quarter.

“The final score doesn’t give the game justice, as we were within seconds of heading into OT. Our guys on defense stepped up when it mattered the most and sealed up the W as time expired. Most exciting game of the season, literally down to the wire.”

The Jacksonville State leader was confident when asked about playoffs and spoke glowingly of his team’s chances in the postseason.

“When the team is firing on all cylinders, we can compete with anybody. Playing all 4 quarters is key with teams of this caliber. We’re not a team that’s showed we can run away from the top talent, but we hang in there barring any late game mistakes. We’re just glad to be in the conversation at this point. Mid season, we were at 5-4 looking like we were out of the conversation, but these guys have heart and they want to win. We’re all going to get together and see how the cards fall and just take it one game at a time.”

Coach Alexander is not concerned with job security and nodded when asked if he would be back at the helm for Season Three.

“I’ll be here as long as the University will have me. As an alumni, and the atmosphere that helps create is the best you can find anywhere. FCS>FBS any day. I’ll be sticking around in Jacksonville for a long time to come.”

Campbell’s head coach spoke softly in the press conference and looked reporters in the eyes when asked about his emotions following a heartbreaking defeat.

“I really thought we had it, that last drive was going well and we have been leaning on Snow all season long. He’s been our work horse and I hope he can recover mentally. Thankfully he’s only a sophomore so he’ll be back next season and knowing him, he’ll be hungry to improve this off-season.”

Coach Average choked up a little when talking about his seniors. Almost all of Campbell’s upperclassmen transferred in from other schools but that didn’t keep the team from forming a bond in their inaugural season.

“These guys deserved better. In the end we were 748 numbers shy of where we wanted to be but I’ll always remember this group as the first. They laid a foundation here and we’ll build on it going forward. (QB) Stabbington, (FB) White, (DL) Binks, (CB) Maul, I can’t name them all but they will be missed around here that’s for sure.”

When questioned about the Camel’s postseason plans Coach Average shook his head.

“I know we have a spot in the consolation tournament so my team is going to regroup this weekend. We have two weeks to prepare and I know I’ve spoken about pulling my squad from the tournament but I’m not so sure now. We’re hungry, this group, and we aren’t done yet.”

Below is a list of seniors who will be graduating from Campbell University once the post season is complete.

QB Bro Stabbington, 2.98 GPA 1169 rushing yards, 11 TD 21/37 for 251 passing yards, 3 TD

Bro Stabbington, 2.98 GPA FB Y. White, 3.76 GPA 746 rushing yards, 10 TD

Y. White, 3.76 GPA C Al Windu, 3.50 GPA Team Captain

Al Windu, 3.50 GPA LT RJ Flick, 2.97 GPA Second Team All-Conference

RJ Flick, 2.97 GPA WR Slim Beast, 2.02 GPA 14 rec for 78 yards

Slim Beast, 2.02 GPA DL Jabba Binks, 2.84 GPA Team Captain, 26 tackles, 9 TFL, 2 sacks

Jabba Binks, 2.84 GPA DE Count Freeze, 2.44 GPA Third Team All-Conference, 29 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack

Count Freeze, 2.44 GPA MLB Metro Guhl, 2.99 GPA Campbell Athletic Department Hustle Award, 34 tackles, 1 FF, 1 FR

Metro Guhl, 2.99 GPA CB Pongo Maul, 3.56 GPA 15 tackles

Pongo Maul, 3.56 GPA SS Lion Hand, 2.96 GPA 31 tackles, 1 INT

Lion Hand, 2.96 GPA P Gobber Baloo, 3.97 GPA First Team All-Academic

Gobber Baloo, 3.97 GPA

Campbell has offers out to several top recruits and has already signed the following high school seniors to join their program next year.

QB Hugo Long, 4* from Dorman HS in Spartanburg, SC

QB Xavier Vincotto, 2* from Poudre HS in Fort Collins, CO

P Fergus Bishop, 3* from Moorehead HS in Moorehead, MN