Written by Christian Bateman
The Camden Bruins enter the 2026 season with a youthful roster eager to take the next step. While graduation claimed several key contributors, many younger players gained valuable varsity experience last season, particularly when Chase Jopp was sidelined with an injury. That experience should pay dividends as Camden looks to establish a physical, run-first identity on offense.
Head coach Ja’Kori Evans enters his third season leading the program and continues to build a foundation centered on player development, toughness, and long-term growth. The Bruins have shown steady progress, and this year’s team will rely on its emerging talent to continue moving the program forward.
Replacing the production of standout seniors Chase Jopp and Trot Pipkin will be a major challenge, but it also creates opportunities for a new group of playmakers to make their mark. Camden’s success will depend on how quickly those players embrace larger roles throughout the season.
Quick Hits
- Head Coach: Ja’Kori Evans (3rd season, 5-17)
- 2025 Record:Â 4-8
- Key Players:Â Javon Riddick (Sr., RB), Danny DeFilippo (Jr., RB/LB)
- 2025 Scoring:Â Camden 120, Opponents 220
- Passing Yards:Â 531 (44.3 per game)
Offense
Camden’s offense will feature a fresh look after graduating several of its top receiving threats and its second-leading rusher. Senior running back Javon Riddick is expected to be the focal point of the attack, providing leadership and playmaking ability in the backfield.
Sophomore quarterback Gabriel Norman enters the season with valuable experience and will look to take another step in his development. As the Bruins build chemistry with a new group of receivers, establishing the running game and limiting mistakes will be key to offensive success.
Player to Watch: Javon Riddick, RB
Defense
The Bruins return several players who gained meaningful experience last season and will look to build a more physical defensive identity in 2026. Junior linebacker Danny DeFilippo headlines the unit and will play a vital leadership role as Camden works to improve its consistency and create more impact plays.
Continued development throughout the summer and early portion of the season will be important as the defense looks to become a strength for the Bruins.
Biggest Game
August 28 at First Flight
One of the most anticipated games on Camden’s schedule comes in Week 2 against First Flight. Last season, the Bruins earned a hard-fought 7-6 victory in one of the closest games of the year.
This season’s matchup shifts to First Flight, making for an early road test. Week 1 will provide Camden an opportunity to evaluate where it stands before taking on a familiar opponent. If the Bruins can build on last year’s success and continue improving each week, they’ll have a chance to make another statement early in the season.
Outlook
Camden enters 2026 with a young roster, but one that has already gained valuable varsity experience. The Bruins will lean on the leadership of Javon Riddick and Danny DeFilippo while looking for new contributors to emerge on both sides of the football. If the young talent develops quickly and the team embraces its physical style of play, Camden has the pieces to take meaningful steps forward throughout the season
Â