2016 Offensive Player of the Year: Joseph Cambridge, Riverdale By Luke Strickland
RIVERDALE — Several players were forces on the offensive side of the ball within the county this season, but no player meant more to the success of his team than Riverdale High quarterback Joseph Cambridge, who is the Clayton News’ choice for Offensive Player of the Year.
Cambridge led the Raiders to just their third playoff appearance since 2000. The senior signal-caller threw for 2,703 yards and 28 touchdowns and also rushed for 526 yards and five touchdowns. In all, Cambridge accounted for 90 percent of the team’s offense.
“Joseph is very deserving of this honor,” said Riverdale head coach Terry Herrod. “He led our team in passing and rushing. He accounted for 90 percent of our scoring. Without him, we might not win two games this season. We asked him to take on so much this year from getting us out of bad plays, to making sure guys lined up correctly and ran the correct routes. I can’t say enough about what he has meant to our program the past three years.”
Cambridge threw for 300 or more yards three times this season and exceeded 200 or more yards in eight games. His best game came against North Clayton on Aug. 19, when he threw for 388 yards and five touchdowns.
Others Considered: Zion Custis, Lovejoy; John Seter, Lovejoy; Greg White, Riverdale
The Clayton News sat down with Cambridge to discuss his fine senior season.
Clayton News: What are your thoughts on your season individually?
Joseph Cambridge: Individually, I think I improved very much over the years and reached my goal in leading the team into the playoffs.
CN: What are your thoughts on what Riverdale accomplished as a team this season?
JC: As far as the season, I wish we would’ve ended the way we started because it’s not about how you start it’s how you finish and I wish we would’ve finished stronger. I’m proud of all my teammates because to even reach the state playoffs is a big deal for our school.
CN: What was your favorite moment from the season?
JC: My favorite and most memorable game was the Griffin game most definitely.
CN: Why do you think you had so much success this season?
JC: I had so much success this season because the guys around me did their jobs and when the players around me do their jobs, it makes my job much easier. Especially my offensive line, which gave me a lot of success.
CN: What is next for you?
JC: I’m still looking forward for what’s next for me. I’m ready to play and experience football at the collegiate level.
