By: Jackson Shuman
The William & Mary Tribe earned its first road victory of the season in thrilling fashion, defeating Campbell 30–27 in overtime at Barker-Lane Stadium. Trailing 24–13 in the second half, the Tribe rallied with 11 unanswered points in the final two minutes and sealed the win on quarterback Tyler Hughes’ 6-yard touchdown run in OT. With the bounce-back victory, William & Mary improved to 6–4 on the year and 5-2 in the CAA, moving them into 5th place in the conference with only two weeks to go.
Key Takeaways
Resilience Down the Stretch
Despite facing a double-digit deficit with less than two minutes remaining, the Tribe never panicked. Running back Rashad Raymond broke through for a crucial 2-yard touchdown with 1:51 left, which, paired with Hughes’ clutch 2-point conversion to tight end Haven Mullins, cut the lead to 24–21. On the ensuing kickoff, linebacker Jake Worthen recovered Sam Braidwood’s perfectly executed onside kick, setting up kicker Keegan Shackford for a game-tying 38-yard field goal as time expired. The tying kick was Shackford’s third of the afternoon and capped an insane rally to send the game to overtime.
Offensive Explosion
The Tribe posted a season-high 505 yards of offense, including 223 on the ground and 282 through the air. Hughes accounted for much of that production, completing 25-of-37 passes for 282 yards and a score, while also rushing for 120 yards and the game-winner in OT. Raymond added 78 rushing yards and his pivotal late score, with wideouts Armon Wright, Deven Thompson, and Damian Harris all making key contributions in the receiving game. Tariq Sims caught a late first-half touchdown to keep William & Mary within striking distance.
Clutch Defense
William & Mary’s defense limited Campbell to just a touchdown after halftime, allowing the offense space to mount its comeback. Linebackers Luke Banbury, with 12 tackles, and Harrison Johnson, with 10 tackles, led the effort, as Worthen contributed a sack, an interception, and the vital onside recovery. While it wasn’t always pretty, the Tribe defense showed up when it mattered most and gave the offense the ability to tie the game down the stretch.
Special Teams Shine Again
After last week’s historic performance, the Tribe’s special teams once again came through. Shackford’s trio of long-range field goals from 41, 47, and 38 yards kept the Tribe within striking distance throughout Saturday’s game. The successful onside kick in the final seconds was the game’s turning point and yet another reason why this season will be defined by extraordinary special teams plays.
Player of the Game
Tyler Hughes
The sophomore quarterback delivered a signature performance, accounting for 402 total yards with 282 passing and 120 rushing, the game-winning touchdown run, and a key two-point conversion. His poise and dual-threat ability continue to be the driving force for the Tribe offense. Time and time again, Hughes has been the catalyst the offense needs when down late in games, through the air and on the ground. Hughes’s ability to create big plays while also keeping the ball out of harm’s way was key to Saturday’s win.
Moving Forward
Earning their first road win of the season at Campbell, William & Mary showed growth in toughness and execution outside Zable Stadium. Special teams again led the way, with an exhilarating onside kick leading to Shackford’s tying field goal. On offense, Tyler Hughes’ mobility and decision-making continue to give the Tribe flexibility. The running game has really hit its stride as Rashad Raymond ran for 78 yards on only 12 carries. On defense, timely stops opened the door for the offense to make big plays when it mattered most late in the fourth quarter. As Hampton approaches as the final game away from Zable, William & Mary’s first road breakthrough offers a blueprint: leverage special teams, play disciplined football, and make big plays when it matters most down the stretch.
Up Next
Next week, William & Mary heads to Hampton (2-8) in a crucial conference showdown. Go Tribe!
Photos courtesy of Tribe Athletics
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