CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Entering the last regular season home game of 2024, both teams sought conference victory in the battle of the Tigers. The Fighting Tigers fell short to the #12 Georgetown Tigers in overtime, 24-17.
In the first quarter, Georgetown took an early 7-0 lead over Campbellsville with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Gehrig Slunaker to Dillon Warren, capping off a solid 12-play drive. Campbellsville's defense held strong, limiting Georgetown's rushing game. However, Capmbellsville's offense had difficulty gaining ground, facing incomplete passes and a few losses on runs. Georgetown's early touchdown was the only action this quarter, as both teams focused on controlling the field for the remaining battle.
Obie Wilson intercepted a pass from Georgetown's Slunaker, preventing further scoring and keeping the game close. Despite some setbacks, including a sack, the drive was kept alive by a personal foul penalty on Georgetown. Jagger Gillis connected with Chris Thomas and Luke Sheperson for crucial completions, including a 33-yard pass to Sheperson that put them in Georgetown's red zone. Campbellsville responded with a 10-play, 84-yard drive in the second quarter that ended in a 31-yard field goal by Colin Fratus, bringing the score to 7-3.
Georgetown's Justin Richardson delivered a game-changing interception, returning it for a touchdown to push their lead to 17-3. Campbellsville, fighting to stay in the game, answered with a determined 77-yard drive as Gillis connected with receivers Pharoah Davis and Sheperson, setting up Tre' Bass for an eight-yard rushing touchdown to cut the deficit to 17-10. Georgetown quickly responded with a 26-yard kickoff return by Warren, positioning them well for a drive as the quarter came to a close, keeping the advantage on their side.
Campbellsville fought back to tie the game, driving 95 yards to even the score at 17 with a touchdown pass from Gillis to Archelaus Smith. Georgetown Tigers responded with a solid field position, but Campbellsville's defense stayed solid, forcing a turnover on downs. As the clock ran out, Georgetown's final push ended just short on Campbellsville's one-yard line, going into overtime with both sides fighting to break the draw and claim victory.
In overtime, Georgetown scored the game-winning touchdown with Slunaker rushing in from the one-yard line. Slunaker set up the score with a 23-yard pass to Chandler Godby, bringing the ball to the Campbellsville two-yard line. After taking the lead, Georgetown sealed the win with Drew Rader's extra point, making it 24-17. The game's momentum shifted when Campbellsville fumbled on the next drive, with Jacob Harmon recovering the ball at the Georgetown 23-yard line.
The Fighting Tigers will return to action for the last regular season game on Saturday, November 16th, in Williamsburg, Kentucky, to battle against the University of the Cumberlands Patriots. The kickoff is set to start at 1:30 p.m. ET.
- Campbellsville had more first downs (21) and receiving yards (243). Still, Georgetown controlled possession (48:15) and had fewer penalties (4-44), while Campbellsville struggled with turnovers (two lost fumbles) and was less efficient on third down (3-11).
- Ellis Reed led Campbellsville with ten tackles, Jagger Gillis with 237 passing yards, Luke Sheperson with nine receptions and 99 receiving yards, and Tre' Bass with 62 rushing yards.
- The Fighting Tigers have not defeated the Georgetown Tigers since a 28-24 victory in 2014. They have lost every matchup since, including a 35-7 defeat in 2023.
