Rhode Island Rallies in the Fourth to Top Campbell, 31–20
PhotoSports.Com — Kingston, R.I.
Meade Stadium roared Friday night as the Rhode Island Rams opened their 2025 season with a 31–20 comeback victory over Campbell. Behind the 2nd half “shut down” defense, and quarterback Devin Farrell’s two touchdown passes and Antwain Littleton Jr.’s bruising runs, the Rams overcame an early deficit to secure a decisive win in front of 5,267 fans.
First Quarter – A Fast Start…
Rhode Island wasted no time striking, as quarterback Devin Farrell found Kevin Schaeffer on a 31-yard touchdown pass less than two minutes into the game. The Rams looked sharp early, but first game jitters led to a muffed punt deep in their own territory swung momentum, allowing Campbell to tie the game on a short scoring toss. The first quarter ended 7–7, with both teams trading blows and settling into what felt like a back-and-forth battle.
Second Quarter – Campbell Controls the Clock
The second frame belonged to Campbell, who dominated possession with a grinding 16-play, 90-yard drive capped by a six-yard touchdown run from Mike Chandler II. A quick turnover gave the visitors another three points on a field goal, pushing the lead to 17–7. Rhode Island needed an answer, and they got it late in the half—Farrell led a composed drive, and Antwain Littleton Jr. powered in from two yards out to cut the deficit to 17–14 heading into the locker room.
Third Quarter – Trading Field Goals
The defenses stiffened after halftime. Campbell extended their lead to 20–14 on a 40-yard field goal, but Rhode Island responded when kicker Garth White connected from 36 yards out. Though the Rams showed flashes of offensive rhythm, a couple of missed opportunities left them still trailing 20–17 heading into the final quarter. The tension on the sidelines was obvious—the game was still hanging in the balance.
Fourth Quarter – The Rams Take Over
The final 15 minutes belonged entirely to Rhode Island. Littleton muscled in for his second short touchdown run of the night, giving the Rams their first lead since the opening quarter. Just minutes later, Farrell hit Marquis Buchanan on a stunning 46-yard strike down the sideline, igniting the crowd and stretching the lead to 31–20. The defense did the rest, delivering sacks and key stops to slam the door shut. The Rams closed with swagger, their sideline erupting in chants as the band played them off into the night.
The Faces of Victory
The 2025 Season Begins and the smoke clears from the final cannon volley. The band gets ready to take to the field.
Atmosphere of Celebration
The atmosphere is electric—charged with the sound of the band, the cheers of fans still echoing from the stands, and the hum of satisfaction that follows a hard-fought win. Smiles, fist pumps, and jubilant hand gestures—fingers raised to the sky, numbers flashed to the camera—speak to a team that knows it has achieved something meaningful. The Rhode Island logo at midfield becomes a stage for this shared emotion, a visual centerpiece grounding their celebration in school pride.
On to Long Island Next Week – getting the first win of the season is a big accomplishment and an even bigger learning experience for the team.
Emotions on Display
Up close, the faces of the players tell the story best. Some grin with unrestrained joy, others beam with relief and determination, their sweat and exhaustion washed away by victory. The body language is relaxed yet exuberant: helmets in hand, arms raised, teammates shoulder-to-shoulder. These are not just individuals—they are a unit, a brotherhood. The moment is as much about connection and pride in representing Rhode Island as it is about the scoreboard
31-20 The First Win Is In The Record Books
See all the post game photos here.