ELON, N.C. — In an impressive display of skill, Matthew Downing threw for 251 yards and three touchdowns while Rushawn Baker added a strong performance on the ground with 154 rushing yards and three scores, helping Elon defeat Campbell 50-27 on Saturday.

This victory marked Elon’s first home win of the season, improving their record to 3-6 overall, with a conference record of 2-3 in the Coastal Athletic Association.

The game started fast for the Phoenix, as Downing connected with Chandler Brayboy on a remarkable 66-yard touchdown on the very first play of their offense. Later in the first quarter, Ishmel Atkins turned the momentum by returning a blocked extra-point attempt for two points, boosting Elon’s lead to 16-6.

Brayboy showcased his skills further by returning the second-half kickoff for 51 yards, setting up his own touchdown with a 36-yard reception that extended Elon’s lead to 33-13. He finished the game with an impressive eight receptions for 183 yards and two touchdowns.

Elon’s scoring included a 28-yard field goal from Luke Barnes, marking the kicker’s first career field goal, which brought the score to 26-13. Barnes also added a 32-yarder later in the third quarter, further solidifying Elon’s advantage at 36-13.

On the other side, Campbell’s Mike Chandler II completed 22 of 39 passes for 355 yards and four touchdowns. He exhibited versatility, rushing 10 times for an additional 51 yards. Notable performances came from Randall King and Sincere Brown, who each caught seven passes, exceeding 135 yards with two touchdowns apiece. Brown especially made headlines with a 70-yard touchdown catch against Elon, marking his third touchdown reception from at least 50 yards in just the last two games, while King celebrated his first career touchdown in the opening quarter.

This exciting matchup highlighted the strengths of both teams and showcased a range of impressive individual performances as they continue to navigate the season.