IT'S GAME DAY

Keeping with his “no fear” attitude Bearcat head coach Doc Crowley scheduled Class 5A Camden Fairview for the 2023 home opener.

As was the case with Warren and Stigler, Okla., in 2020, and Timpson, Texas in 2021, the game with Camden Fairview was not on the original schedule, which already had Harding Academy on it for 2022 and 2023.

Originally Friday was an open date after hosting a Week 0 game against Dollarway (Pine Bluff) but that Cardinal program has been shuttered. Camden Fairview and Dollarway were originally scheduled for Week 2 so Crowley agreed to the game.

Unlike the Warren, Stigler, and Timpson games however, Crowley insisted the game be at home because besides avoiding travel, it was a home game the Bearcats needed to replace.

Having crossed through Camden on the way Smackover for a second round playoff game, Crowley and his staff know well the drive the Cardinals have in store for them today.

The Cardinals come into the game 1-1 having beaten Class 4A Arkadelphia 43-27 and having lost to Class 6A El Dorado 21-20. The Cardinals were 10-3 and the 5A South runner-up in 2022.

Camden Fairview is a three time state champion, most recently in 2012, and twice as Camden High School (1952 and 1931), according to FearlessFriday.com.

• Mascots: Booneville Bearcats; Camden Fairview cardinals
• When: 7 pm, 9-8, at Doug Scheel Field at Bearcat Stadium
• Series: Teams have never met
• Last Meeting: Teams have never met
• Streak: Teams have never met
• First Meeting: teams have never met
• Conference Affiliations: Bearcats are 3A-1, Camden Fairview is 5A South

TODAY IN BEARCAT FOOTBALL HISTORY: The Bearcats are 6-3 all time in games documented to have been played on September 8. In a 37-7 win over Hartford on September 8, 1967 Johnny Williams threw for 130 yards. On September 8, 2017 it was a defensive touchdown that clinched a win over Gravette. The Bearcats were up 21-7 but the Lions had just moved to its 41 due to a personal foul flag when Trent Wooldridge intercepted a pass and returned it for a TD in a 28-7 win.