CF’s Thomas and Easttam dodge Panthers’ high-powered defense, tackle running offense head-on – Camden News

Last Friday night's game was do-or-die time for the Camden Fairview Cardinals as they went on the road to take on the Magnolia Panthers. The winner of the game would take full control of the 5A South Conference lead and be one step closer to securing themselves as one of the top teams in the state of Arkansas.

Through a tough battle at the line of scrimmage, the Cardinals prevailed, winning on the road, 35-19.

For a while, it didn't look like the Cardinals were going to be victorious as they found themselves down 12-0 in the first quarter. Faced with pressure, the Cardinals decided to make changes that would ultimately help them win this big game.

Offensively, the Cardinals' went away from their high-caliber passing game to focus on their dynamic RPO running game. Several players helped create a high-powered rushing performance, but it was senior quarterback Martavius Thomas that led the Cardinals to a huge second half performance.

It was an even bigger game for the Cardinals' defense, as they had to lock down one of the best running backs in the state in Magnolia's Garrion Curry. Magnolia's offense primarily runs the ball up the middle in a tight RPO-style, with Curry receiving the bulk of the carries.

In the beginning of the game, Curry had some big moments, but the defense of Camden Fairview played stout at the line of scrimmage and made big plays in the backfield when needed. Many defenders can take credit for the big game, but it was senior defensive end Kameron Easttman that led the Cardinals from start to finish with an incredible performance at a stout rush defense.

Martavius Thomas is the Camden News' offensive player of the week and Kameron Easttam is the Camden News' defensive player of the week.

The Cardinals' offense knew they would have problems trying to establish a solid passing game due to the tenacious blitzing of the Panthers and the secondary play. Instead of trying to force the passing offense into the rhythm, the Cardinals, led by Thomas, decided to beat the Panthers in their own game. The defense of Magnolia was overwhelmed by the power run game of Camden Fairview with Thomas as the leading runner.

With Thomas utilizing a solid RPO-scheme, Magnolia's defenders had to take an extra amount of time to read the play in the backfield. That amount of extra time it took to diagnosis the play was too much, as Thomas' explosive speed quickly overhwhelmed the front seven defenders. Thomas had huge support at the line of scrimmage from the offensive line.

Thomas rushed for 144 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. Most of his carries came after the Cardinals turned their their attention away from the play-schemes for the rest of the game. Thomas pushed the ball down the field with his legs, with several of his yards coming after the first contact with defenders. He also set up multiple packages that had junior defensive back Jabauree Lockhart accounting for three rushing touchdowns for four total yards.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Cardinals had one of their best performances of the season -- not statistically, but performance-wise. Camden Fairview held Magnolia's high-powered and aggressive rushing offense to 301 rushing yards on 45 carries for an average of 6.7 yards per carry. One of the biggest game elements that head coach Nick Vaughn said would be key were the play-action passes called. The Cardinals only allowed 2-of-10 completed passes throughout the entire game, with one of them coming in a great play from Curry to a receiver.

The defense of Camden Fairview accounted for nine tackles for loss, 12 quarterback hurries and two sacks. The entire defense and all position groups had huge performances, but it was no question that Easttam had one of the biggest performances from start to finish. Easttam accounted for ten total tackles, four solo tackles, three tackles for loss, five quarterback pressures and one sack.

Easttam found himself playing multiple different roles in the game against Magnolia. On top of his typical duties of playing defensive end in certain schemes, he was also placed at middle linebacker in other schemes when the defensive line needed more size. Although he's smaller than others at the position, Easttam crashed the edge hard and closed off running lanes. He also made great pursuit angles to tackle the ballcarrier for little-to-no gain or even negative yards.

Easttam remained consistent for Camden Fairview, providing energy and confidence in the Cardinals' defense. He showed that this Panthers' offense was vulnerable and was capable of being overpowered. Easttam was among the defenders for Camden Fairview that was a physical and psychological boost on Friday night.

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CF's Thomas and Easttam dodge Panthers' high-powered defense, tackle running offense head-on - Camden News