Hampton University
1-9 , 0-6
Elon
5-5 , 3-3
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hampton | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Elon | 7 | 3 | 0 | 14 | 24 |
11.7.26 | Football
ELON, N.C. (November 7, 2026) … Hampton (1-9, 0-6) forced four turnovers and blocked a field goal but it was not enough as Elon (5-5, 3-3) outlasted the Pirates 24-6 before 3,482 fans at Rhodes Stadium.
Hampton got on the scoreboard first. After Cam Sturdifen's second interception of the season set up the Pirates at the Hampton 24-yard line. True freshman quarterback Xavier Brookins tossed a 35-yard pass to Portis and, three plays later, he connected with Portis for a 27-yard score to put the Pirates ahead with 10:25 left in the opening quarter. The extra point attempt failed.
It was the only points the Pirates would score in the contest.
It didn't take Elon long to respond. The Phoenix returned the ensuing kickoff to midfield. Elon drove downfield with Kamerin McDowell-Moore walking in from the two-yard line to cap a nine play-56-yard drive. The PAT was good giving Elon a 7-6 advantage with 6:19 left in the quarter.
A 43-yard field goal by Luke Barnes just cleared the crossbar to advance Elon's lead to 10-6 with 8:41 before halftime.
A long Elon pass at the goal line was deflected and intercepted by Hampton's Brandon Parnell to end a drive with 5:20 left in the half. Hampton was unable to mount a drive at Elon took over at its own 21-yard line.
Elon drove into Hampton territory before Anthony Hightower stepped in front of the receiver and picked off the Brady Stober pass. On the very next play, Hampton threw an interception with 1:42 to go before halftime. A pair of 14 yard runs moved the ball to the 21-yard line but the Pirate defense stiffened and blocked a 41-yard field goal attempt by Luke Barnes.
The Phoenix drove to the two-yard line before Hightower intercepted his second pass of the day, this one in the end zone and returned it to the 45-yard line. But Hampton fumbled the ball back to the Phoenix. Six plays later, Elon scored on the first play of the fourth quarter when Elijah Guttman ran it in from three yards out to give the Phoenix at 17-6 lead.
Elon scored again when McDowell-Moore bounced off several tackles and weaved his way into the end zone from 24 yards out. The Phoenix led 24-6 with 8:14 left in the contest.
Late in the game, the Pirates drove to the three-yard line but turned the ball over on downs.
Brookins completed 9-of-11 passes with a touchdown while Elon's McDowell-Moore rushed for 172 yards and two scores. Elon outgained the Pirates 399-229 on the day. Cam Sturdifen and Daniel Ufua each recorded six tackles while Hightower intercepted two passes, Sturdifen and Parnell picked off each apiece.
The Pirates return to action on Nov. 14 when Hampton hosts longtime rival North Carolina A&T at 1:02 p.m. for Senior Day.
Players Mentioned
Team Stats
HMP 6, ELO 0
HMP - Portis,Chaz 27 yd pass from Brookins,Xavier () 5 plays, 74 yards, TOP 02:29
HMP 6, ELO 7
ELO - Mcdowell-Moore,Kamerin 2 yd run (Barnes,Luke kick), 9 plays, 58 yards, TOP 03:58
HMP 6, ELO 10
ELO - Barnes,Luke 43 yd field goal 11 plays, 55 yards, TOP 05:33
HMP 6, ELO 17
ELO - Guttman,Elijah 3 yd run (Barnes,Luke kick), 5 plays, 41 yards, TOP 02:32
HMP 6, ELO 24
ELO - Mcdowell-Moore,Kamerin 24 yd run (Barnes,Luke kick), 5 plays, 58 yards, TOP 02:32
