D2 Sports Network's latest series, "A Student's Perspective," offers an inside look at a sideline reporting standpoint from the eyes of a high school student. This week, Jacob Girnius, a student at Cherokee High School, provides his thoughts on last Saturday's NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 3 final between Camden High School and top-seeded Seneca High School:
Another huge matchup lurked last week as undefeated Seneca prepared to host Camden in the sectional final.
Tensions were high.
Seneca's student section, better known as the "Birds' Nest,” was packed to the brim for the contest leaving virtually no standing room. The Eagles walked onto the turf to the sound of AC/DC's "Hells Bells," and Camden followed suit dispersing onto the field to the sound of its storied band program.
However, the Seneca crowd could not match the shockwave provided by the Panthers' defense.
Camden started the game off with a 28-yard fumble return touchdown by Jahmye Tyson with less than four minutes left in the second quarter. The crowd on the
Camden side grew ecstatic with chants after the game's earliest score.
Taquan Brittingham scored his first touchdown of the night on a 58-yard punt return. The touchdown electrified the away crowd and boosted Camden's lead to 14-0.
The story remained the same for the Seneca offense throughout the first half. The Eagles' star quarterback, Brayden Davis, continued to leave and re-enter the game while playing through injury. Davis' toughness was admirable as he showed he would do anything to put his team in a position to remain competitive.
Fast forward to the closing minutes of the final quarter and here comes Brittingham again with a 10-yard rushing touchdown. As for the rest of the night on the Seneca side of the ball, second string quarterback Collin Walsh just couldn't seem to get the offense going with the ferocious Camden pass rush constantly providing pressure. The Panthers won, 21-0.
Celebrations unfolded as Camden graduate and current head coach Robert Hinson led his team to the north end zone where it was awarded with the trophy by Derryk Sellers Assistant Director at NJSIAA reading, “Sectional Champions: Group III Central 2022-2023."
NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 3 final video by Ryan Fuhs/D2 Sports Network
I don’t think I've ever seen a group of players perform so well together. Camden is a force to be reckoned with and will show how athletic, physical and tough it can be game in and game out. This Saturday, the Panthers will challenge Delsea in the Group 3 state semifinals at Cherokee High School at 2:30 pm.