By Marc Lucarini
CCC Journalism Program
CHERRY HILL – Camden native, 18-year-old Anthony Townsend, quarterback and senior leader of the Camden Catholic football team, faces the last game of his high school career against rival Paul VI.
Townsend is one of South Jersey’s top-ranked and most dynamic quarterbacks. He is what some like to call a Mike Vick of high school. Fans are amazed at the things he does on the field by making people miss tackles and completing passes.
Coming into the season, Townsend said, “I was not sure how well our team was going to be. We knew we had talent and our motto was to be ‘one’ and play together as a team, not individuals.”
Townsend is a team player and even though he has accomplished much in his senior year, he always puts his teammates first.
Head Coach Rick Brown stated about Townsend, “He is a special player that us as coaches depend on and always rallies the guys around him.”
His teammates also think highly of Townsend, as many of them talked him up as being unselfish and approaching every game as if it is his last.
Going into his final game versus Paul VI, Townsend has thrown for more than 900 yards with 10 touchdowns. He has rushed for more than 500 yards with six touchdowns on the ground.
About the Paul VI game, Townsend said, “This is a big rival game and it is our Thanksgiving game also. We have a lot riding on this and we prepare and plan to come out on top.”
Townsend is on track to receive the offensive most valuable player award for the season. His coach noted, “It is a tossup between him and his running back. It will come down to the Paul VI game and who sticks out the most.”
Townsend has much interest in colleges all over. Some of his top schools are from Division IAA conferences. He plans to go further with his performance on the field and wants to keep up with his studies in the classroom.
Camden Catholic High School Quarterback Anthony Townsend practices for an upcoming game. By Marc Lucarini, CCC Journalism Program