CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Coming off an emotional comeback victory a week prior, the #16 Campbellsville University Fighting Tigers were challenged to deliver a complete, consistent performance. They answered that challenge emphatically, dominating the Thomas University Night Hawks from start to finish in a 61-7 victory on Saturday afternoon.
- Campbellsville's offense was unstoppable, racking up 608 total yards while the defense was suffocating, allowing only 124 total yards.
- Quarterback Jett Engle was surgical in the first half, throwing for 225 yards and four touchdowns on 19-of-24 passing.
- The Tigers showcased their depth as backup quarterback Trenton Cutwright also threw for two touchdowns, and six players caught a touchdown pass.
- The defense scored its own points on a first-quarter safety and forced three turnovers on the day.
- The Tigers now head into a well-deserved bye week with their sights set on a conference showdown with the University of the Cumberlands on Homecoming. That game kicks off at Finley Stadium on Saturday, October 4th, at "Finley Time" 2:01 p.m. ET.
After a pivotal 37-34 comeback win against the University of Pikeville, the Tigers entered their contest against Thomas needing to prove they could dominate for a full game. They left no doubt from the opening whistle.
Campbellsville's offense took the field first and scored in under two minutes when Jett Engle found Easton Barlow up the sideline on a post-wheel concept for a 48-yard touchdown. On the ensuing Thomas possession, a high snap on the first play sailed out of the endzone for a team safety, increasing the Tiger lead to 9-0. Following the free kick, Campbellsville marched 59 yards, capping the drive with an Engle pass to tight end Jack Busey, who lowered his shoulder and powered into the endzone for a 10-yard score. Engle capped the 23-point first-quarter onslaught by letting a play develop before hitting Barlow on a checkdown for a 10-yard touchdown, his second of the quarter.
Thomas put together its only scoring drive of the day to start the second quarter, making it 23-7. The Tigers answered swiftly. A big kick return by Jayseaon Pritchard set the offense up with a short field in enemy territory. Engle showed patience in the pocket before finding Roland Hazard Jr., who fought his way into the endzone for a 12-yard touchdown, pushing the lead to 30-7. The half ended after a botched Thomas punt attempt gave Campbellsville the ball at the Night Hawks' 15-yard line, setting up a Colin Fratus 32-yard field goal as time expired to make it 33-7 at the break.
The Tigers' defense started the second half by forcing a turnover. Ahmaury Calhoun exploded into the backfield while Chase Maynard helped force a fumble that Allen Parrish recovered. That turnover set up a 17-yard touchdown drive, with backup quarterback Trenton Cutwright finding Caden Thieman on a post-corner route for a seven-yard score. Cutwright added his second touchdown pass of the quarter later, connecting with Caleb Austin for a six-yard score to make it 47-7.
In the fourth quarter, Jeremy Smith took a handoff and bounced it outside, following big blocks from Chris Gardner and Demetri Bose for a 14-yard touchdown run. The day's final score came from third-string quarterback Justyce Law, who ran it in from three yards out to seal the 61-7 victory.
