In celebration of Senior Day, which included 22 seniors and 17 “OG’s” who were part of the first recruiting class, the Kennesaw State football team defeated the Campbell Camels 49-0 on Saturday, Nov. 3, wearing their inaugural uniforms with the seniors’ names inscribed on the back.
Fittingly, it was the OG’s who orchestrated the route that extended KSU’s home winning streak to 14 games and solidified their ninth straight conference victory.
“I don’t think you could find a way to send our group of seniors out from the regular season out at Fifth-Third Bank in a better way,” Owls head coach Brian Bohannon said. “Offensively, they only ran 37 plays. I don’t know if I’ve ever been a part of a game where there were only 37 plays run in a shutout.”
The Owls offense went scoreless in the first quarter while trying to adjust to the unfamiliar defensive front from Campbell. Once adjusted, KSU scored on three consecutive possessions in the second quarter.
Entering the game, quarterback Chandler Burks needed three rushing touchdowns to become the all-time leader in Big South Conference history. He would capture that record in the first half, finishing the game with four rushing touchdowns to bring his career total to 50.
Among his touchdowns was a 50-yard run where Burks made defenders twist and tumble while on his way to the end zone, putting the Owls up 14-0.
“I just want to say I’m casting my bid to Chandler for Heisman,” wide receiver Justin Sumpter said.
Senior running back Darnell Holland continued his string of big play games with an 84-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to start the second half. He has been an important factor for the Owls this season, contributing with touchdowns and long rushes.
“They hit a little sky kick and Darnell picks it up, you figure we’d get a couple yards,” Bohannon said. “Then, Lord knows, there goes crazy legs doing his thing again, which he’s done a lot here.”
Another “OG” contributing to the game was Sumpter, who has been a reliable wide receiver for the Owls over the years. Sumpter got his final home touchdown in the third quarter.
With no doubt in the stadium as to where he was throwing, Burks gently placed a pass into Sumpter’s hands to lift the Owls up 35-0.
“I really wasn’t expecting it,” Sumpter said. “We’ve been practicing all week. Chandler really just put it in my arms, I didn’t have to do much. That’s how great he is.”
Although Turnover Plank didn’t make an appearance, the shutout reflects that defensive chemistry has vastly improved during the season.
Bohannon said linebacker Charlie Patrick’s high-flying energy has been a pleasant surprise. Patrick’s passion on the field has made its way to the box score as his five tackles tied with Dorian Walker for the team high.
Backup quarterback Daniel David came into the game during the fourth quarter, throwing the final touchdown of the game to TJ Reed.
“Our kids know what’s going on,” Bohannon said. “We’ve had goals set for this program since the day we started. Enjoy it tonight, but we need everybody to have the best preparation week we’ve had all year.”
The Owls continue their season Saturday, Nov. 10, at Monmouth as they look to clinch a second consecutive Big South Conference title.
