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Phoenix defense makes a stop against Towson
Elon Athletics/Nicole Frechette
17
Winner Elon ELO 4-2 , 2-0
3
Towson TOW 3-3 , 1-1
Winner
Elon ELO
4-2 , 2-0
17
Final
3
Towson TOW
3-3 , 1-1
Score By Quarters
Team 1st 2nd 3rd 4th F
ELO Elon 3 7 0 7 17
TOW Towson 0 0 0 3 3

Game Recap: Football | | Elon Athletics

Elon Tops Towson As Defense Dominates

Phoenix Ground Game Rushes For 247 Yards In Win

Towson, Md. – The Elon football team controlled the clock and tempo from the opening whistle in a 17-3 victory of Towson in Elon's first Coastal Athletic Association road game Saturday evening at Johnny Unitas Stadium.  
 
Elon (4-2, 2-0 CAA) led 10-3 in the fourth when the defense stepped up to force an interception and two turnovers on downs on three straight possessions to close out Towson. The Phoenix had three rushers surpass fifty yards with Jimmyll Williams leading the charge with 90 yards on 14 carries. TJ Thomas Jr. and Dan Frederick combined for both Elon touchdowns.  
 
HOW IT HAPPENED 
  • Elon scored on its opening drive with a Luke Barnes field goal and took more than six minutes off the clock. The Phoenix defense settled in early forcing a pair of Towson (3-3, 1-1 CAA) punts. The Phoenix put together their most complete drive of the season following a Tigers' three and out.  
  • Taking 15 plays and more than eight minutes off the end of the first quarter and much of the second quarter, Elon's most complete drive of the season put the Phoenix up double digits. The 87-yard drive was finished off with a two-yard, TJ Thomas Jr. touchdown, his fourth rushing score of the season.  
  • Following Elon's long scoring drive, Elon's defense collected another stop and the Phoenix closed out the half with a missed field goal. Towson only managed three drives in the first half and totaled just over eight minutes in time of possession.  
  • To open the second half, the Elon defense continued its dominance with three-and-out. The Phoenix could not capitalize on the defensive stand to open the half. Backed up on its own goal line, Elon made up 61 yards on seven plays before Jasin Shiggs stepped in front of a Landen Clark pass to finish Elon's promising drive.  
  • Elon's defense again answered the call with a three and out. Towson's defense responded in kind with a stop of its own before the Tigers put points on the board. Towson was on the doorstep of the end zone before the Elon defense bowed their necks and made three straight stops at the one-yard line to hold the Tigers to three points.  
  • Towson continued to find offensive momentum but continued to be behind the Phoenix defensive eight ball. After converting a fourth and one near midfield, Asher Cunningham stepped up and intercepted a deflected pass to take care of the Towson threat. Elon capitalized on the interception with a pair of big plays to Elon running backs. A short pass to Williams became a 45-yard pickup that took the Phoenix to the doorstep. Dan Frederick finished off the drive when he took a jet sweep to the end zone from two-yards out to give Elon a 14-point advantage.  
  • Elon forced a pair of turnovers on downs from the Tigers late in the fourth to close out any attempt at a comeback. Newcomer Jevean Brown sealed the game with a third down sack which cost the Tiger offense 15 yards and ended any threat of a score on the final Towson possession. After the turnover on downs, a kneel from Clark sealed the Phoenix win and a 2-0 start to CAA play.  
 
NOTES & STATS 
  • Jimmyll Williams led the Phoenix offense with 90 rushing yards and 62 yards receiving.   
  • TJ Thomas Jr. scored his third rushing touchdown in CAA play against the Tigers. Thomas collected his 10th career touchdown in the win. Thomas needed just 14 games to get to double-digit career touchdowns.  
  • Much like Western Carolina, Asher Cunningham sealed the game with a fourth quarter interception. It was the second interception of the season for Cunningham, and he trails only Ishmel Atkins for the team lead in picks.  
  • Elon has forced a turnover in nine straight games dating back to last season following the Cunningham interception Saturday. 
  • Landen Clark rushed for a career high 81 yards in the win. He rushed for no negative plays, with no negative rushes or sacks.  
  • Clark and Williams hooked up for a 47-yard completion in the win. Clark has had a pass play of greater than 47 yards in each of the last four games.  
  • Maryland native Tony Hart III led the Phoenix with eight total tackles. He also registered a half a tackle for loss against the Tigers.  
  • Jeff Yurk averaged 45.7 yards per punt Saturday night with a high of 53 yards.  
  • Elon was 3-for-3 in the red zone and improved to 24-for-27 on red zone visits this season. 
 
UP NEXT 
Elon returns to Rhodes Stadium to face Villanova next Saturday. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. ET on Oct. 11. 
 
SUPPORT THE PHOENIX 
Fans can support Elon Athletics through the Phoenix Club. To purchase 2025 tickets, visit TicketMaster.com/ElonTickets. 
 
STAY POSTED 
For further coverage of Elon Football, follow the Phoenix on X (@ElonFootball) and Instagram (@ElonFB). 
 
 
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