UPDATE: Camden Hills has made history by clinching its first-ever state football championship with a decisive 52-26 victory over Spruce Mountain on November 15, 2023, at Edward Little High School in Auburn. The Windjammers, led by quarterback Hollis Schwalm, delivered an electrifying performance that left fans cheering.
In a dramatic final showdown, Schwalm showcased his skills, scoring three rushing touchdowns and throwing for another, contributing to a staggering 32 points of the team’s total. After a season marked by determination, Camden Hills finished with an impressive 10-1 record, while Spruce Mountain wrapped up its campaign at 8-2.
“It’s amazing. From summer practice all the way to our last practice of the season, we had this in our minds the entire way,” said senior player Braden Beveridge, who scored a touchdown and snagged two interceptions during the game.
The Windjammers opened the scoring with a remarkable 95-yard drive culminating in a touchdown pass from Schwalm to Justin Batty. Following a series of turnovers, Camden Hills maintained control, establishing a commanding 32-12 lead at halftime.
Coach Chris Christie praised his team’s heart and grit, stating, “We played with utter heart, grit, and determination today.” The commitment of the players was evident as they executed plays flawlessly, with Schwalm demonstrating exceptional decision-making under pressure.
The Windjammers dominated the second half, scoring additional touchdowns while their defense stifled Spruce Mountain’s efforts, forcing multiple turnovers. With this historic win, Camden Hills can finally add its name to the championship banner that previously held no dates.
“It’s the stuff you dream about since you’re six years old watching a high school football game,” Beveridge added, capturing the emotional significance of the victory.
This championship marks a significant milestone for Camden Hills, a program that only became a full-fledged varsity team in 2009. The journey to this moment has been fraught with challenges, including a canceled season in 2015 due to safety concerns. However, with resilience and teamwork, they have turned the tide and now stand as state champions.
As the Windjammers celebrate their triumph, the future looks bright for Camden Hills football, with many young players contributing to this historic win. Coach Christie expressed optimism, emphasizing, “This is a special group… I’m excited about the future of Camden Hills football.”
For those who followed the playoffs, Camden Hills outscored opponents 292-154 in the regular season and 134-26 during the playoffs. The Windjammers defeated No. 4 Waterville 47-0 in the semifinals and No. 2 Mount Desert Island 35-0 in the regional final, showcasing their dominance leading up to this championship victory.
This remarkable achievement is not just a win on the scoreboard; it’s a testament to the hard work, dedication, and community spirit of Camden Hills. The Windjammers have etched their names in history, and fans are eager to see what the future holds for this rising program.
Stay tuned for more updates as the celebrations continue in Camden Hills!
