The Camden Fairview Cardinals (7-1; 4-0 in conference play) have a solid path towards towards the playoffs. If the Cardinals win their remaining two games of the season, they will secure a home-game site throughout the playoffs. With this wein,Camden Fairview secures their first conference title since the 2013 season versus the Hope Bobcats (1-6; 1-2 in conference play). The Cardinals aren't reflecting on their awards and victories so far this season, they are focused on a Bobcats who are showing signs of progress after several underwhelming seasons.
In the past six seasons, the Bobcats have accumulated an overall record of 4-53. While the Bobcats have some experience on both sides of the ball as well as good quick pace, much like El Dorado plays, they still have glaring weaknesses to address. Camden Fairview comes into this game with one of the most explosive offenses in the state, averaging 45.8 points per game behind their well-balanced offense.
They have one of the most explosive playmakers in the state with junior quarterback Martavius Thomas. In eight games this season, Thomas has thrown for 115-for-171 completions for 2,247 yards, 25 touchdowns, and only three interceptions. His dynamic and high-caliber passing has huge implications for the Cardinals as they able to extend drives and put points on the board consistently. Three receivers for Camden Fairview have accounted for at least 30 receptions, 530 yards, and four touchdowns in eight games. Senior wide receiver Brandon Copeland has caught 35 receptions for 699 yards and nine touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Jarvis Reed has caught 30 receptions for 629 yards and six touchdowns.
The offensive line for Camden Fairview has come a long way from the start of the season. They are now the anchor for one of the most well-balanced offenses in the state. They shift around their linemen to gain a tactical advantage each game. The Cardinals average 215.4 rushing yards in eight games behind their offensive line and their dynamic running back duo in seniors Ja'Coriae Brown and Ja'Toney McGhee. They could have a big game against the Hope Bobcats, who have a front-seven that is not highly efficient at stopping the run.
Defensively, the Cardinals have one of the most aggressive pass rushes in the state. Their pass rush is one of the biggest reason the Cardinals allow an average of 18.3 points per game. The Cardinals are the top-ranked team in the state in sacks accounted for this season with 27. Senior defensive end Jacovey Barker has been one of the main orchestraters for an aggressive and efficient pass rush. Barker has accounted for 44 total tackles, 42 solo tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks. Barker is the state's current sack leader.
The defensive line could have another big game behind the experienced offensive line and running game of Hope. Senior defensive tackle Mark Welch could have another big game as he is having a tremendous effort suffocating the line of scrimmage and dominating in the backfield.
While this is a game where Camden Fairview can win by a wide margin, there will be some hunger from the Cardinals to fix up their issues on both sides of the ball for other games. They are expecting to win the championship with every play possible.