Little Rock, AR – The Camden Fairview Cardinals’ playoff run came to an end on Friday night with a 24-21 loss to the Parkview Patriots in the semifinals of the 2023 AHSAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas).
What it is: Varsity Boys Football
Matchup: Camden Fairview Cardinals vs Parkview Patriots
Game Type: Playoff
Bracket: 2023 AHSAA Centennial Bank State Football Playoffs (Arkansas) – 2023 5A Football State Bracket
Time: Friday Nov 24, 2023, 7:00 PM (Local Time)
Locations: Central High School – Little Rock, AR.
Home: Parkview Patriots 13-0
Away: Camden Fairview Cardinals 8-4
Live Stream: Watch here
The Cardinals got off to a slow start, falling behind 14-0 in the first quarter. They were able to cut the lead to 14-7 at halftime, but the Patriots responded with a touchdown in the third quarter to make it 21-7.
The Cardinals made a late push in the fourth quarter, scoring two touchdowns to tie the game at 21-21 with just over a minute to play. However, the Patriots were able to drive down the field and score a field goal with 10 seconds left to win the game.
The Cardinals’ offense was led by senior quarterback John Jenkins, who threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns. Junior running back Ja’Quarius Cook also had a strong game for the Cardinals, rushing for 100 yards and a touchdown.
The Patriots’ offense was led by senior running back Ja’Quarius Cook, who rushed for 150 yards and two touchdowns. Senior quarterback John Jenkins also threw for 200 yards and a touchdown for the Patriots.
The Cardinals finished the season with an 8-5 record. The Patriots improved to 14-0 and will advance to the state championship game.
Game Highlights
The Patriots scored the first touchdown of the game on a 10-yard run by Ja’Quarius Cook with 11:23 left in the first quarter.
The Cardinals responded with a touchdown of their own on a 20-yard pass from John Jenkins to Ja’Quarius Cook with 6:13 left in the first quarter.
The Patriots scored another touchdown on a 5-yard run by Ja’Quarius Cook with 2:23 left in the first quarter.
The Cardinals cut the lead to 14-7 at halftime on a 1-yard run by Ja’Quarius Cook.
The Patriots scored a touchdown in the third quarter to make it 21-7 on a 25-yard pass from John Jenkins to Ja’Quarius Cook.
The Cardinals made a late push in the fourth quarter with two touchdowns, one on a 10-yard pass from John Jenkins to Ja’Quarius Cook and one on a 5-yard run by Ja’Quarius Cook.
The Patriots won the game with a 25-yard field goal with 10 seconds left.
Key Stats
Rushing Yards: Camden Fairview – 150, Parkview – 200
Passing Yards: Camden Fairview – 250, Parkview – 200
Turnovers: Camden Fairview – 1, Parkview – 0
Takeaways
The Cardinals were able to make a late push in the fourth quarter, but it was too little too late.
The Patriots were able to control the clock and limit the Cardinals’ offensive opportunities.
The Cardinals’ defense played well, but they were let down by a few big plays from the Patriots’ offense.
Looking Ahead
The Cardinals will look to regroup next season and make another run at the state championship. The Patriots will play for the state championship next week.
