Camden Hills Wins First State Football Championship, 52-26

UPDATE: Camden Hills has made history by securing its first-ever state football championship with a resounding 52-26 victory over Spruce Mountain on November 15, 2023, at Edward Little High School in Auburn. Quarterback Hollis Schwalm led the Windjammers with an outstanding performance, scoring three rushing touchdowns and throwing for another.

The energy in the school was palpable leading up to the championship game, especially after new banners were hung in the gym. Schwalm noted, “They actually just put up new banners… and football was up there with no dates on it. So I looked around and said ‘That needs to change.’”

The Windjammers dominated the game, showcasing their offensive prowess and a strong defense that forced five turnovers. The victory marks a significant achievement for the team, which had previously struggled since becoming a full-fledged varsity program in 2009.

Camden Hills established an early lead of 8-0 in the first quarter and extended its advantage to 32-12 by halftime. The team maintained its momentum throughout the game, scoring multiple touchdowns and showcasing an unyielding defense. Coach Chris Christie praised his players, stating, “We played with utter heart, grit, and determination today.”

Schwalm’s performance was central to the Windjammers’ success. He accounted for a staggering 32 points out of the team’s total, effectively directing the offense and executing plays with precision. “As long as I get the ball in his hands, something good is going to happen,” Coach Christie said of Schwalm.

Junior Braden Beveridge also contributed significantly, scoring a touchdown and intercepting two passes. He expressed the emotional weight of the game, saying, “This is the stuff you dream about since you’re six years old watching a high school football game. It’s amazing.”

The Windjammers finished the season with an impressive 10-1 record, while Spruce Mountain concluded its campaign at 8-2. The Phoenix’s efforts included a touchdown from Dylan Jewett and a kickoff return for a touchdown from Owen Kelvey, but it was not enough to overcome the Windjammers’ lead.

In the second half, Camden Hills continued to dominate, with rushing touchdowns from Dingle, Beveridge, and Hoffman, solidifying their championship status. “We didn’t want to let off the gas pedal,” Beveridge added, stressing the importance of maintaining their lead.

The Windjammers’ journey to this historic moment has been marked by resilience, overcoming early challenges and setbacks in their program’s history. After facing difficulties, including a season cancellation in 2015, the team has now emerged as champions, ready to etch their names on the new banners hanging in their gym.

As the team celebrates its victory, the future looks promising. Coach Christie noted, “This is a special group. We checked our egos and really just started playing together as a team.” The Windjammers have not only made history but have also set the stage for continued success in the years to come.

This championship win is not just a victory for the players but a moment of pride for the entire Camden Hills community, marking a new chapter in their athletic legacy.