The Elon Phoenix finished the first half behind the Campbell University Fighting Camels, 10-7, on Sept. 11, 2021. An unproductive half by both sides led to the low score going into the second half, with the Camels scoring opportunities coming off of a blocked punt and a sack.
Senior quarterback Davis Cheek threw for a total of 136 yards, relying on standout junior running back, Jaylan Thomas. At the end of the first half, Thomas led the Phoenix offense in both rushing and receiving efforts, ending with 45 yards rushing and 34 yards receiving. The efforts combined made for almost 60% of Cheek’s total yards thrown.
One of Elon’s most creative efforts came with less than a minute to go in the first half, starting on their own 25 yard line. Cheek threw two consecutive passes for more than 10 yards, the first to Thomas for 17, the second to junior wide receiver Bryson Daughtry for 14 yards. With the ball on Campbell’s 44 yard line, Cheek pulled together six more yards to set up junior kicker Skyler Davis for a 55 yard field goal attempt. Davis' longest career field goal was 50 yards in 2019. The effort was blocked once again by Campbell’s defense, the following recovery by Campbell ending the first half.
Despite incredible efforts by Cheek and Thomas, the half ended with multiple Phoenix mishaps, with the team failing to convert two fourth down attempts, a blocked punt, a blocked field goal attempt and a sack against Cheek.
The Phoenix enter the second half down 10-7 against the Camels.