Camden Hills Wins Historic State Football Championship, 52-26

UPDATE: Camden Hills has claimed its first-ever state football championship with a decisive 52-26 victory over Spruce Mountain. The championship game took place on November 15, 2023, at Edward Little High School, marking a historic moment for the Windjammers.

The excitement was palpable as quarterback Hollis Schwalm, a senior playing his final game, led his team to glory with an explosive performance that left fans in awe. “They actually just put up new banners in our gym this week,” Schwalm said before the game. “And football was up there with no dates on it. So I looked around and said ‘That needs to change.’” And change it did, as Schwalm accounted for 32 of Camden Hills’ 52 points.

The Windjammers showcased their dominance with a flurry of touchdowns and a relentless defense that forced five turnovers. Following the game, head coach Chris Christie praised his team, stating, “We played with utter heart, grit and determination today. Some of those cuts Hollis made… they just weren’t going to be denied today.”

Camden Hills ended the season with a remarkable 10-1 record. In contrast, Spruce Mountain concluded its campaign at 8-2. The Windjammers quickly established control, leading 8-0 at the end of the first quarter. By halftime, they had surged to a commanding 32-12 advantage.

Schwalm, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, demonstrated his versatility by rushing for three touchdowns and throwing another to teammate Justin Batty. In total, Schwalm’s contributions included two conversion passes and two more rushing conversions. “As long as I get the ball in his hands, something good is going to happen,” Coach Christie said.

The emotional stakes were high for players like Braden Beveridge, who not only scored a touchdown but also intercepted two passes. “This is the stuff you dream about since you’re six years old,” Beveridge shared, reflecting on the journey that led to this moment.

With a relentless offensive strategy and a cohesive defense, Camden Hills maintained momentum throughout the game. After a series of turnovers by both teams, the Windjammers capitalized on a 95-yard drive, culminating in a touchdown pass from Schwalm to Batty.

The defense played a crucial role, with interceptions from Beveridge, Jake Perez, and Kiran Farley. The Windjammers’ ability to force turnovers was pivotal in keeping Spruce Mountain at bay, ensuring that the Phoenix could not mount a significant comeback.

This win is not just a culmination of a successful season; it signifies a new chapter for Camden Hills football, which has overcome numerous challenges since becoming a full-fledged varsity program in 2009. Coach Christie emphasized the team’s growth, stating, “This is a special group… we checked our egos and really just started playing together as a team.”

As the Windjammers celebrate their historic victory, they leave a lasting legacy that will be etched on the banners in their gym. The future of Camden Hills football looks bright, with many underclassmen contributing to this championship run.

With the final whistle signaling victory, the team gathered at midfield, reveling in their hard-earned triumph. “We were just ready. We were prepared,” Batty said, echoing the sentiments of a team that believed in their potential from the start.

This historic win is sure to inspire future generations of players at Camden Hills, marking a significant milestone in the school’s athletic history. Fans are already buzzing about what comes next for this newly crowned champion team.