Nine days after a tough loss to Duke, the Elon University football team made a memorable comeback with a stunning 55-7 victory over Davidson College in their first home game. Even after a two-hour weather delay, Elon was ready to shine, marking the biggest win in head coach Tony Trisciani’s time at the helm.
Trisciani praised his players for staying focused. “They approached every moment as a new opportunity,” he said. “Winning those individual moments is what leads to big plays.”
Redshirt senior defensive lineman Jake Louro echoed this mindset. “We kept our eyes on the prize,” he noted, emphasizing the team’s determination despite the delays.
The game kicked off with excitement as redshirt freshman quarterback Landen Clark scored a 1-yard touchdown on their first possession. This was particularly special for Clark, coming back from an injury sustained against Duke.
Defensively, Elon was impressive, forcing three quick three-and-outs, holding Davidson to just 13 yards in the first quarter. It was a remarkable defensive showcase, reminiscent of past dominant Elon’s defenses, showcasing their ability to dominate early.
As the second quarter progressed, the Phoenix found their rhythm. A mishap by Davidson’s punter set up another scoring opportunity for Elon, resulting in a touchdown from Clark to redshirt junior Landyn Backey, who racked up 118 receiving yards and two touchdown catches. “Our chemistry is improving every week,” Backey shared, highlighting their growing connection.
Elon’s offensive strength continued with a powerful 15-yard touchdown run by sophomore running back TJ Thomas Jr., marking his return to the end zone after a shoulder injury last season.
Defensively, the team’s discipline stood out. Redshirt sophomore linebacker Brodie Carroll showcased his skills with another sack and 2.5 tackles for loss. Louro emphasized the team’s approach: “We just focused on doing our jobs.”
By halftime, Elon had a commanding 41-0 lead. Trisciani noted, “They were running hot at the end of that second quarter,” allowing him to trust his players’ momentum going into the second half.
Even with many starters resting in the second half, the Phoenix added two more touchdowns. With this win, Elon improved to 1-1 for the season. They’ll face Western Carolina University next week, aiming to build on their recent success.
This victory not only boosts team morale but also illustrates their resilience. According to a recent survey, 75% of college athletes believe in the power of teamwork and focus, aligning perfectly with what Elon displayed on the field.
As they look ahead, Elon’s dedication on both sides of the ball will be crucial in their upcoming games. You can follow more updates on their journey via the official Elon Phoenix football page.