sport

Camden Panthers Chase Group Two Title With Veteran Core

The local side returns a veteran core under Rob Henson and opens with a marquee week-zero trip to Martinsburg.

By Camden Sport Desk · Published 18 July 2026

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Camden enters the new campaign determined to convert last season’s near miss into the program’s first Group Two state championship. Four years into Rob Henson’s tenure the Panthers fell one step short of a third straight sectional crown and now carry that motivation into 2025 preparations.

The timing matters because the roster features a senior-heavy group that has grown together since Henson arrived. Players and coaches alike describe the off-season focus as tightening chemistry rather than adding new talent, a shift they believe separates contenders from champions.

Offensive continuity and new signal-caller

Six starters return from a unit that posted 27 points per game a year ago. The line is anchored by Syracuse commit Joseph Jojo White alongside Will Krden and AJ Spalding, tasked with opening lanes for the tandem of Christian Braxton and Roman Ducket. Ahmad Jones arrives from Pleasantville to run the passing attack, supported by Syracuse commit Iben Muhammad and Scott Freeman. Team members stress daily execution and workload as the keys to moving past last year’s shortfall.

Defensive depth and early test

Seven starters are back on the other side of the ball. Haleem Muhammad led the front with eight sacks in 2024 while Naim Presberry returns at linebacker. The secondary, featuring Iben Muhammad, Colgate commit Talib Shakir and Jeremiah Steelely, gives the front seven freedom to pressure quarterbacks. Camden opens with an out-of-state road game against two-time defending West Virginia state champion Martinsburg before turning to WJFL Colonial Division play and the longer state-title path.

The Jersey Sports Zone preview notes that the Panthers have traditionally used the early non-conference test to set standards. Henson’s squad will measure progress by how quickly the veteran unit gels and maintains its trademark defensive identity while the new quarterback settles in. Observers around the program expect the same week-to-week approach that produced back-to-back sectional appearances, only with an added emphasis on finishing the job at the state level.

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