CAMDEN, Ark. — Often times in the game of football, particularly at the amateur level, eliminating the opposing team’s best player is usually a big key to success.
Having to slow down multiple threats in different ways, however, can become a daunting task. It also became a night of struggles in all aspects for the visitors, as everything that could go wrong seem to do so. Tensions mounted and frustrations boiled over, ultimately leaving the Razorbacks completely out of sorts.
Cardinals’ quarterback Darrell Atkins steered clear of the Arkansas High defensive front for most of the night, and the patience of the Camden Fairview (3-2, 1-1) offense finally paid off in the second half for the eventual 28-8 upset over the fifth-ranked Razorbacks (4-1, 1-1).
It was strength against strength defensively for both squads in the opening 24 mins of play, as each side managed to pitch a shutout going into the break. The only score came early during the opening series for Arkansas High, in which quarterback Nate Wall threw his second interception of the season on the third play from scrimmage. The Cardinals returned the errant pass 70 yards for the only points during the half, holding to a slim 6-0 lead. The Hogs managed 138 total yards in the first two quarters, with the Cardinals only producing 97 yards.
Receiving the ball to start the second half, Camden Fairview opened up the scoring by finding the end zone on its first two consecutive drives for the quick and surprising 20-0 lead. The Cardinals marched 65 yards in four minutes on an eight-play drive that resulted in an opening possession touchdown and successful two-point conversion before their second series would see Atkins scoot in from nine yards out to complete an 82-yard drive.
The Razorbacks’ offense put together just one drive during the third frame, only to be turned away by a turnover on downs at the Cardinals three-yard line after a fumble two plays into their previous series.
An eleven-yard strike to Deandre Burnell from Wall finally got the Hogs on the board with 7:21 left in the game to bring the deficit to 28-8 after the Cardinals had already added their final score on a 38-yard screen pass from Atkins to top wideout Trent Haywood to bury the chance of any comeback bid by Arkansas High.
The Razorbacks will host Hot Springs Lakeside on Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. for their Homecoming game.
Print Headline: Camden Fairview upsets No. 5 Arkansas High