The Camden Fairview Cardinals' pursuit of excellence isn't to work with factors in perfect conditions; it is to overcome obstacles when they are not perfect. The Cardinals are taking each day at a time as they look to repeat as 5A South Conference champions this upcoming 2022 High School Football season. They are alternating practices and workouts while going to camps and 7-on-7s. Meanwhile, they have to fill the last set of their coaching staff while some coaches are tending to other matters. First-year head coach Nick Vaughn is not looking to make excuses as he looks for his team to improve daily.
The Cardinals have participated in several camps already this Summer, including a 7-on-7 tournament in Benton on Tuesday. They are headed to another 7-on-7 competition and team camp this Thursday in Dumas. Before that, the Cardinals tackled another day of practices and workouts that included getting many of their younger players.
Coach Vaughn and some coaches were coaching units on both sides of the ball. Hayden Rybiski was hired as the linebackers for the Cardinals after leading a solid linebacker group at Arkansas High School. Rybiski has been instrumental in helping the defense of the Cardinals transition to a 4-2-5 defense through most of the off-season. Rybiski was recently offered to be the defensive coordinator of the Magnolia Panthers, an offer that coach Vaugh said he couldn't turn down.
Cardinals defensive backs coach C.J. Jefferson has been away from the team this week to be with his family after the birth of his son on June 12th. The defensive backs for Camden Fairview took the biggest step forward in production last season going into this season.
The Cardinals took some time to develop their skills and sharpen up their plays before the camp in Dumas. Many young skill players took charge of the workouts, including sophomore wide receiver Trent Haygood. Haygood was among the most consistent receivers on the field on Wednesday.
The offensive and defensive line took part in individual positions as they will participate in the team camp in Dumas. Junior guard Shamarion Walker and junior center Landon Morgan led the Cardinals' offensive line in position drills. They are two players to watch out for as leaders of the offensive line going into the 2022 season.
Junior Caleb Tate is another player who continues to have their role expanded on the team. Tate was a player who participated in the team's offensive and defensive drill work on the field in Wednesday's practice. Tate worked with the defensive line on hand placement and explosive get offs as he will be a hybrid linebacker. On the offensive side of the ball, he has been practicing with the offensive line on run blocks scheme. Tate will have an opportunity to contribute as a fullback/tight end in certain play schemes of the Cardinals in the 2022 season.
Despite some obstacles this Summer, the Camden Fairview Cardinals have shown to be improving as the season gets closer. That pressure is hitting the Cardinals into a more dangerous team.