Written by Coach Matt Tyla
Weekly Warpath
The Official Fairfield Indian Football Game Summary
2021 Game Summary: Lakota East
Volume: 4 Issue: 4
In 2016, the 5-5 St. Xavier Bombers visited Alumni Stadium for a 1st round playoff matchup with our 2nd seeded Indians and came away with a hard-fought win that catapulted them to a State Championship. The point of that short anecdote is not to tout St. X- but to illustrate that it is not how you start, but how you finish that will determine your legacy in Ohio High School Football. Our Indians are certainly beginning to finish strong as we defeated league-leading Lakota East 28-21 in an epic battle last Friday night at Hawk Stadium. It was a total TEAM effort, that needed all three phases to play complimentary football to get the win!
The much-maligned defense continued its upward trajectory as it held the league’s best rushing attack to a season low output. Leading the way were senior co-captain LB Quentin Gehm (9 tackles) and junior LB Matthew Humbarger (2 sacks, 1 interception) who seemed to be in on every tackle. Their effort, enthusiasm and energy are contagious and really sets the tone for the “D”. Up front, senior DL Jonelle Lattimore and junior DL James Thomas are starting to show everyone why they will be all-conference performers. They selflessly took on double teams and sacrificed themselves for the team. They are both outstanding players! In the back end, senior DB Trent Stevenson (1 interception), junior DB’s Ray Coney and Josiah Jackson locked down the East receivers and absolutely eliminated the passing game as the Thunderhawk’s finished with ZERO passing yards! Credit to the players and coaches for staying the course, grinding and getting better each and every week!
The offense continues to show what it is capable of by churning out nearly 400 yards of total offense. As with any good offense, it always starts with the big boys up front. Led by senior co-captains Kendrix Goodman and Augie Groh, the offensive line was dominant. Joined by juniors Dalton Davis and Collin Robinson along with sophomore Isaiah Moore, the OL opened holes for junior RB’s Jordan Jackson (9 carries, 123 yds., 1 TD) and Ki’Arran Love (7 carries 42 yds, HUGE 2 pt. conversion) as well as protected sophomore co-captain QB Talon Fisher (150 yds passing 1 TD, 81 yds rushing 2 TD’s) all night long! Senior WR’s Nathan Hannah (1 TD) and Christian Jackson continue to show why they are two of the more dangerous players in the state as they made big play after big play! It really feels like this group is just beginning to find their groove and are ready to really blow up!
Our Indians come back home to the friendly confines of Alumni Stadium for our last regular season game against Middletown. We need The Tribe out in force on Friday night to celebrate our Seniors and to provide the home field advantage that we are known for! Our Legacy begins this week! Let’s Roll!
#MasonStrong #SFFS #LLA6 #FairfieldBuilt #RollTribe
