The Dayton Flyers began the Pioneer Football League season by defeating the Campbell Camells, 42-0 at Welcome Stadium. RB Ben Shappie ran for 126 yards and tied a school and PFL record with five rushing touchdowns. The Flyers have also won 11 straight home games at Welcome Stadium. UD improves to 4-1 overall, 1-0 in the PFL.

The Flyers got on the scoreboard first after stopping CJ Oates on fourth and one at Dayton's 43-yard line. UD got a pair of 16-yard runs by WR Steve Valentino and RB Joe Gulick to the Campbell 25-yard line. After a holding penalty set Dayton back to the 35, QB Rob Florian found Justin Watkins for a 32-yard reception to the three-yard line to give the Flyers a first and goal at the Camell three. On the next play, Sappie put UD on the scoreboard with a three-yard a touchdown run to give Dayton a 7-0 lead after one quarter.

UD added to their lead, 14-0, in the second quarter as Florian found Justin Millio for an 18-yard touchdown pass to cap a four play, 45 yard drive. Dayton got good field position on their possession starting at their own 45. On the second play, Florian went deep and found Valentino for a 46-yard completion to give the Flyers a first and goal at the Campbell nine. UD started to go backwards as they got called for a false and clipping and had the ball at the Camell 30. On second down, Florian threw a 12-yard pass to Gulick and then found Millio for a 17-yard reception to the Campbell one. On the next play, Shappie punched it in from one yard and UD led, 21-0. The Flyers had a chance to add to the lead but Florian was intercepted near the end of the first half and Dayton led Campbell, 21-0 at halftime.

In the third quarter, Shappie scored his third touchdown of the game as he scored from two yards as they led, 28-0. On their next possession, Shappie got his fourth score with a 21-yard touchdown run and then Shappie's final touchdown came from three yards out which gave Dayton a 42-0 lead.

UD outgained Campbell, 559-85 in total yards of offense and also collected 29 first downs. Ben Shappie 17 times for 124 yards and five touchdowns while Joe Gulick added 77 yards on the ground. As a team, the Flyers ran for 315 yards. Rob Florian completed 16-28 passes for 244 and one touchdown, but also threw three interceptions. Justin Millio and Tyler Hujik each caught four passes.

Dayton will host Drake next Saturday afternoon at Welcome Stadium.

by John Tisdell

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