WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. — In a thrilling clash at Kessler Stadium, Campbell University's NaQuari Rogers took center stage, rushing for an impressive 152 yards and notching three touchdowns, guiding the Camels to a 45-31 victory over Monmouth on Saturday.

Camels Secure First CAA Win

Campbell (2-1, 1-1 CAA) celebrated their first Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) victory of the season, while simultaneously inflicting Monmouth's (1-2, 1-1 CAA) inaugural conference defeat.

Rogers Shines in Career Performance

NaQuari Rogers, a sophomore hailing from Virginia Beach, Va., had a standout performance, carrying the ball a career-high 21 times for 152 yards and three crucial touchdowns. His go-ahead 32-yard sprint with 9:37 left in the fourth quarter was a game-changer, capping off an outstanding day for the young talent. Rogers had already made his mark in the first and third quarters with two more touchdowns, propelling Campbell to its first lead of the game at 24-23 with 6:49 remaining in the third.

Back-and-Forth Battle

Monmouth had taken an early 23-7 lead in the second quarter, notably highlighted by Jaden Shirden's 35-yard touchdown.

However, Campbell responded emphatically, reeling off 24 consecutive points, which included Chaney Fitzgerald's 12-yard touchdown reception and Caleb Dowden's 42-yard score just before halftime. Rogers added his second touchdown, followed by a three-yard keeper from Hajj-Malik Williams, establishing a 31-23 advantage for the Camels.

Monmouth's Shirden, who exhibited an impressive performance throughout the game, tied it at 31-31 early in the fourth quarter with a 22-yard touchdown catch.

Campbell Seals the Deal

Rogers had the last word, dashing for a 32-yard touchdown, and Chris McKay, Jr. followed suit with a 26-yard scamper, ultimately securing the Camels' victory at 45-31.

Shirden ended the day with a remarkable 165 yards rushing, in addition to four catches for 31 yards.

Second-Half Dominance

While Monmouth held a 23-17 lead at halftime, the Camels completely turned the tables in the second half, outscoring the Hawks 28-8. Campbell's offense piled up an impressive 249 yards in the second half alone, including 118 rushing yards in the final quarter.

Contributions Across the Roster

Campbell QB Hajj-Malik Williams Photo Credit: Campbell Athletics

Hajj-Malik Williams, Campbell's quarterback, completed 16-of-25 passes for 184 yards and a touchdown while also adding 32 rushing yards and another TD. Fitzgerald led the receiving corps with eight catches for 54 yards and a score.

Campbell's defense was anchored by CJ Tillman, who tallied 10 tackles, with Ed Dennis and Monchovia Gaffney adding seven stops each. Keevan Bailey and D'Marcus Harrington contributed with interceptions in the second half.

For Monmouth, Marquez McCray completed 19-of-36 passes for 211 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions, while Dymere Miller caught nine passes for 138 yards.

What's Next

Campbell will return home on September 23, hosting Elon for Parent's Weekend in another crucial CAA contest, aiming to build on their newfound momentum in the conference. 

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – Juwon Farri rushed for 239 yards and two touchdowns, helping Monmouth hold off visiting Campbell 38-21 in the Big South opener for both squads Saturday at Kessler Stadium.



The contest was the Big South debut for the Camels (5-2, 0-1 Big South), who spent the program’s first 10 seasons in the Pioneer Football League (2008-17). Monmouth moved to 5-2 overall and 1-0 in Big South play, ending Campbell’s three-game winning streak.

Campbell receiver Caleb Snead (Campbell Sports Information

Redshirt freshman Caleb Snead set Campbell single-game records with 188 receiving yards and 10 catches, adding two touchdowns.



Farri rushed 20 times, including touchdown runs in the second and third quarters, fending off Campbell threats.



Farri’s first score followed a missed CU field goal try from 29 yards, coming at the 4:09 mark of the second, a one yard punch-in to cap off a 12-play, 80 yard march to make it a 17-7 Monmouth lead.

Daniel Smith’s 12-yard rushing touchdown, however, cut the Monmouth lead to 17-14 with 38 seconds before the end of the first half.



After the break, Farri again led a Monmouth drive that included a 39-yard run, finding the end zone with a 24-yard scamper to give the Hawks a 24-14 cushion with 9:13 on the clock in the third.

Devell Jones’ one-yard run, set up by Vinny Grasso’s 62-yard punt return, extended the lead to 31-14.



After a second muffed punt return, Jayson DeMild found Caleb Snead for a 21-yard TD to again slice the Monmouth lead just before the end of the third quarter, but Monmouth answered with another touchdown from Jones on its next possession, as the Hawks ran for 298 yards in the win.



Monmouth led 10-0 after Reggie White, Jr.’s six-yard TD catch, set up by Juwon Farri’s 60-yard run. The Hawks scored on their opening possession with a 47-yard field goal from Matt Masquera before Smith put Campbell on the board with a 58-yard touchdown pass to Snead.



Campbell eclipsed the 300-yard passing mark for the first time this season with Smith and DeMIld combining for 333. Smith completed 15-of-31 attempts for 182 yards, while DeMild came off the bench for 151 yards on 13-of-29 tries.



Aaron Blockmon hauled in nine grabs for 76 yards, combining with Snead for 19 of Campbell’s 28 catches.



Kenji Bahar completed 14-of-29 passes for 105 yards and a TD, adding 51 rushing yards, while White collected five passes for 45 yards and a touchdown.



Tymere Berry posted a game-high 12 tackles for the Hawks, while Deontae Henderson paced Campbell with 10 stops. Dorian Jones, who added eight tackles, and Lester Axson, Jr. each recovered Monmouth fumbles, marking Campbell’s 33rd consecutive game with a takeaway.



Campbell returns to Barker-Lane Stadium next week, hosting Gardner-Webb for Homecoming. The game will be the Camels’ first home Big South Conference contest.