This has been a special season for the Camden Fairview Cardinals (7-1; 4-0 in conference play) as they are getting closer to securing their first conference title since 2013.
The Cardinals have had fantastic and dominating performances on both sides of the ball as they look to be one of the most complete teams in the state of Arkansas. This season, there are several players making a huge impact on offense and defense through explosive performances; they are leading the state in some of categories.
The Cardinals offense has been explosive and highly efficient under playmaker and junior quarterback Martavius Thomas, who is only getting better each week. Last Friday night, Thomas had a personal goal of breaking the school's previous single-game passing yard record of 420. Thomas didn't just beat the record in the 62-3 win at De Queeen, he shattered it. Thomas passed for 520 yards, seven touchdowns, only one interception and a quarterback rating of 144.3 on a 23-for-29 completion rate.
Thomas is currently second in the state in total passing yards (2,247) in an offense that doesn't have a primary focus of run or pass. He is also third in the state in passing touchdowns (25), while also having the least amount of interceptions thrown all season (3). He is seventh in the nation in quarterback rating (142.5), but only one player ranked above him has attempted more than five passes. The one other player has attempted 60 passes, compared to Thomas' 171 pass attempts. This shows that Thomas is also highly efficient in his decision-making ,as he can stretch the field and spread the ball to his receivers. There is a high probability that Thomas could win the Gatorade Arkansas Football Player of the Year for this season.
A quarterback needs to have highly efficient receivers in order to establish an offense like Camden Fairview's. Senior wide receiver Brandon Copeland is ranked eighth in the state in receiving yards accounted for (699). He has fewer receptions (35) than four of the top seven receivers in Arkansas in yards accounted for. Copeland has caught 35 receptions for 699 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging 20 yards per reception.
Senior wide receiver Jarvis Reed has accounted for 629 receiving yards (14th most in the nation). Reed has caught 30 receptions for 629 yards and six touchdowns. Copeland and Reed are the only teammates to account for the top 15 in receiving yards in the state.
The offense of Camden Fairview isn't one-dimensional, either; they are also highly efficient in the rushing game. Senior running back Ja'Coriae Brown has rushed for 769 yards, which is ninth in the state in rushing yards accounted for. He has rushed for 13 touchdowns, which is higher than four of the running backs who have rushed for more yards in the state. Brown has rushed for 767 yards and 13 touchdowns on 123 carries.
On the defensive side of the ball, there are several players that contribute to making the whole defense highly efficient. Defensive end Jacovey Barker is leading well. In eight games this season, Barker has accounted for nine sacks, which is tied for most in the state. Barker is an edge rusher who constantly pressures the quarterback to throw bad passes or gets forced out of the pocket.
With two games left in the season, the Camden Fairview Cardinals are looking to finish the season strong with a potential 9-1 overall record and secure a great seeding in the playoffs.