BREAKING: The Camden Panthers have made history by securing their first-ever state championship appearance after a commanding 37-18 victory over Haddonfield in the NJSIAA/Xfinity Group 2 semifinals. The Panthers will face Shabazz for the title on December 3, 2023, at Rutgers University.
“This is a monumental moment for us,” said Camden coach Rob Hinson. “The players wanted to make history, and they did. This opportunity is special for the city of Camden.”
The Panthers dominated the game from the outset, with senior quarterback Ahmad Jones leading the charge. After a slow start to the season, Jones has emerged as a key player, throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for another in the semifinal match. His performance has been pivotal in Camden’s playoff success.
Jones completed 16 of 24 passes for 213 yards, showcasing his growth after transferring from Pleasantville. “I’m getting it done now,” Jones stated confidently. “We’ve been working hard in practice, and it’s paying off.”
Defensively, Camden was relentless, holding standout running back Brody Leonard to just 8 yards on nine carries. Senior defensive lineman Jerome Foster emphasized the team’s focus on maintaining their defensive gaps to neutralize Haddonfield’s offense. “We knew we had to stay disciplined, and we executed our game plan,” Foster said.
The Panthers stormed to a 24-0 lead in the first half, with touchdowns from Jones and running back Roman Duckett, as well as a touchdown pass from Jones to Scott Freeman. Haddonfield attempted to rally behind sophomore quarterback James Farrell, who rushed for 121 yards and scored two touchdowns. However, the Bulldawgs could never close the gap.
With the score at 31-12 in the fourth quarter, a decisive interception return by Camden’s Talib Shakir sealed the game, demonstrating Camden’s dominance in every phase.
“This team is special, and we’re ready for the challenge ahead,” Foster added, looking forward to the championship clash. Hinson echoed this sentiment, noting the significance of reaching the state final for the Camden community.
As anticipation builds for the championship showdown against Shabazz, Camden fans are encouraged to support their team as they strive for a historic victory. The energy in Camden is palpable as the community rallies behind the Panthers, eager to celebrate this remarkable achievement.
Stay tuned for updates as the Panthers prepare for their momentous face-off on December 3.
