Camelback High School’s varsity football team, 3-7 last year, started off this season with a few hiccups but is planning on finishing the season with a bang.

 

Camelback (3-6) plays its last game against Carl Hayden (0-9) Oct. 27. For the past two years, the Spartans have beaten Carl Hayden.

 

“It’s not going to be easy,” said Amary Smith, offensive lineman for the Spartans. “It’s going to be a tough game. It’s going to be a dog-fight and hopefully we come on top.”

 

Coach Joseph Brissette said his team has come a long way since the beginning of the season. Carl Hayden is going to see a different team.

 

“A few weeks back, I was pretty upset with them and they didn’t really give me everything they had. They kind of really quit and gave up on the game and after that we really drilled them and ran them to death,” said Brissette. “And since that game at North, they’ve pretty much given us maximum effort every opportunity and every chance they got. It’s not always a positive outcome, but we’ve gotten a lot better.”

 

Quarterback Eric Marquez wants his team to push themselves harder this game. Marquez is currently injured but is hoping to play Friday.

 

“I would like to see everyone come together and win or lose as a family,” said Marquez. “It’s the last game of the season and I want us to get the win for the seniors.”

 

Wide receiver Shawn Charles also has hopes in the team coming together as a family for one last game.

 

“I want to be able to work as a team and not worry so much about myself and my stats. Our team like to work as a bunch of individuals instead of as a team,” said Charles. “If everyone plays as a team, it’ll work itself out in the end.”

 

Brissette has been pushing his team all season and plans to end the season strong.

 

“At the end of the day, you have to play the game and [Carl Hayden] has nothing to lose. They’re going to be fighting to at least get one win,” said Brissette. “It’s going to be a tough game but at the end of the day, it’s going to come down to who wants it more.”