By PATRIC FLANNIGAN
Staff writer
The Camden Fairview football Cardinals (6-2, 4-1 5A South) hasn't beaten a varsity football team from Garland County since 2022, but are optimistic that could change tonight.
CF will travel to Hot Springs to play the Trojans (4-4, 3-2 5A South) in a game with a lot on the line for both teams. With a win, the Cardinals will play for a share of the 5A South title next week. With a loss, the Cardinals would drop to a fourth seed.
Both teams have exchanged wins on the opposing team's home field the last couple of year, with CF defeated the Trojans in 2022 34-7 and the Trojans defeating the Cardinals on its senior night in 2023, 35-18.
The Trojans are coached by a former CF defensive coordinator in Darrell Barnett. They are led offensively by senior quarterback Sean Elia but a couple of juniors in running back Robert Blevins and 6'2 wide receiver JaMarcis Morning are his primary weapons. Defensively, the Trojans are athletic and have a knack for being in the right place at the right time.
Last week, the Trojans battled with the Razorbacks of Arkansas High before losing 35-26.
CF enters the game after defeating Hope 66-0 - the third time in the last four games that the Cardinals scored over 60 points.
The Cardinal defense has also improved throughout the month of October only allowing an average of 9 points per game which is down from the 26 points allowed over the first four games.