Defensive Masterclass Delivers Camden First Sectional Title In 46 Years

Photo by: Quincey Harris (@quality_q_productions)

Coming into this season, the players at Camden High School were sure of one thing: The High was back. The school’s first sectional title in 46 years was clinched on Saturday night with a 21-0 victory over top-seeded Seneca on Saturday night in the Central Jersey Group 3 finals. History was made by these young men, and they are not ready to hang it up yet.

    Defensive masterclass is the only way to describe the game the Camden Panthers played. They stood across from a Seneca offense that rode senior quarterback Brayden Davis to an undefeated record. Davis had over 2,000 all-purpose yards and 28 total touchdowns on the season, a threat through the air and on the ground. He was severely limited by the pressure from a Camden defense that has not allowed a point in the playoffs. James Heard was constantly in the backfield, with a game-high three sacks on the night. The High took the ball out of Seneca’s hands five times over the course of the game, picking off four passes and delivering a fumble recovery to the house on a 27-yard scoop-and-score from Jahmye Tyson. 

    The defense dominated the game, but they weren’t the only ones in on the fun. Games between two good teams often come down to who wins two of the three battles of offense, defense, and special teams: Camden won all three. The second touchdown of the night came from Taquan Brittingham on a 58-yard punt return touchdown in the third quarter. Brittingham had more in the tank, scoring the final touchdown with a 10-yard run on fourth-and-goal. While there may not have been much offensive output from Camden, they did their job and outgained Seneca the entire night. 

    In a true all-around performance from every facet of this Panthers team, the sectional championship will rest in the hallways of Camden High School for the first time since 1976. Next week’s game against Delsea looms with a regional championship and trip to the first-ever Group 3 State Championship on the line. With two of the top public schools in the state squaring off, this marquee matchup has potential to be the game of the year. 

x