CAMDEN — In his second year as the head football coach at Camden County High School, Ernest Sutton feels that the Bruins are ready to take a big step forward.
“We are further along than we were last year at this time,” said Sutton. “The guys worked hard on their conditioning in the off-season. You can’t just show up July 31 and expect to compete.”
Sutton discussed the Bruins’ prospects a day after his team scrimmaged against Bertie County. “Defensively, we looked good. On offense, we moved the ball but have some things to clean up and work on,” he said.
It’s hard to spend time with Camden’s energetic coach and not feel the positivity that he transmits to his players. “There is a different attitude this year,” Sutton says. “We are going to go into games believing we can win, not expecting to lose.”
Very young last year, the Bruins posted a record of 4-7. They didn’t have much size or speed, and key injuries limited what they could do on offense. They have already taken a hit this year: Quarterback Riley Springer injured his throwing arm, and his return status is questionable.
Fortunately, junior Owen Collins has stepped up to operate the run-first offense. At 6-foot, 3 inches and 210 pounds, Collins’ size is an asset.
“He runs well, and he just needs more repetitions at the position,” Sutton said.
Collins’ first option will be to hand off to Jyveon Harris. At 6-foot, 2 inches tall and 266 pounds, the senior was formerly a lineman. The big back has adapted, his agility is good, he can change direction, “but we want him to run north and south,” Sutton said.
Junior Zion Banks will get carries on the inside while the attempts around the defensive perimeter should go to senior wingbacks Cam Sylvester and Kevin Dredden.
When they do throw, the Bruins will try to get the ball to senior wide receiver Xzavior Wiggins. An all-around athlete, Wiggins is also valuable as a kick returner.
Cooper Lewin also returns at the wideout, and Chase Jopp has good hands at the tight end position. Newcomer Javeon Mayo is a sophomore with outstanding speed.
Experienced Wyatt Werderman will handle the kicking duties, so important as the Bruins look to control the ball and manage field position. The junior is the Bruins’ punter and place kicker.
On defense, Harris and Kalvin Blount at defensive tackle will anchor a solid defensive line. Peyton Hoyt and Isaiah Brothers both exceed 250 pounds, so the Bruins should be very physical at the line of scrimmage.
Banks will be a leader at linebacker as so many of the blue and white play both ways. Camden coaches have been impressed with the play of freshman inside linebacker Danny Defillipo.
“He is smart, aggressive, and has the football instincts that compensate for his lack of experience,” Sutton said.
Wiggins and Sylvester are experienced cornerbacks, and Lewin will play safety. Another freshman, Kaiden Sutton, could see playing time in the defensive backfield. Sutton has a high football I.Q., not surprising for the son of a coach.
Camden opens its season at home on Friday against Northside-Pinetown. The Panthers won last year 40-19. Camden Yards should be rocking this week as the Bruins go for payback.
The following is the Camden Bruins’ complete schedule for the 2024 football season:
Friday: Northside-Pinetown at Camden, 7 p.m.
Aug. 30: Perquimans vs. Camden, 7 p.m.
Sept. 13: Camden at Gates County, 7 p.m.
Sept. 20: Camden at Pasquotank County, 7 p.m.
Sept. 27: Currituck at Camden, 7 p.m.
Oct. 4: First Flight at Camden, 7 p.m.
Oct. 11: Camden at Northeastern, 7 p.m.
Oct. 18: Camden at Hertford County, 7 p.m.
Oct. 25: Holmes at Camden, 7 p.m.
Nov. 1: Camden at Manteo, 7 p.m.
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