The Campbell County celebration washed away 25 years of frustration after the Camels upset rival Highlands Friday night.
Nic Mayer's 29-yard field goal at the end of the game capped the 24-21 win and gave Campbell County its first victory over the Bluebirds since 1991.
It also was coach Stephen Lickert’s first win over his alma mater.
"It’s not about me, it’s about 25 years of trying to beat Highlands, and our guys executing on offense, defense and special teams,” Lickert said after the game.
Austin Hoeh ran for a 5-yard touchdown in the second quarter to put Campbell County ahead, 6-0 before a 90-minute lightning delay.
That score stood through halftime, and Mayer made it 14-0 on a 94-yard touchdown reception from Hoeh, capped by a Hoeh conversion run.
But the Bluebirds tied it, thanks to a pair of touchdown runs by Grant Murray.
Alex Dowds gave Campbell County the lead again on a 1-yard run, but Highlands battled back, evening it at 21 when Jared Pulsfort ran in from 3 yards out with three minutes left, setting up the Camels’ winning drive.
Campbell County (1-1) was coming off a loss to East Central in its opener last week. Highlands (1-1) had scored 52 points vs. Cooper last week, and the Camels held the Bluebirds to 338 yards on 70 plays – 4.8 per snap.
“I think we’re pretty good on defense, and I think the difference at this point is our defense is a little more veteran,” Lickert said.
Hoeh completed 12 of 26 passes for 198 yards, and Dowds gained 100 yards on 26 carries. Murray led all rushers with 106 ground yards on 20 rushes.
Campbell County faces NewCath on the road next week while the Bluebirds host Scott County.
“We believe in our guys, and I think our guys are starting to believe in our system,” Lickert said.
