Fairland clinches first OVC title since 2013
By: Carly Traut
Posted on:
PROCTORVILLE, Ohio (WOUB) – The Fairland Dragons hosted the Chesapeake Panthers in an OVC title clinching contest and took home their first title in 11 years. With the victory coming on their senior night, the Dragons ended their regular season on top 48-13.
The first quarter started slowly, with both teams struggling on their initial offensive drives. The scoreless run broke when Fairland’s running back, Lucas Bumpus, rushed for a 6-yard touchdown with only four minutes left in the quarter. Chesapeake’s defense blocked the extra point, energizing their sideline. To close the quarter, the Panthers’ defensive back Ethan Kerns made his second interception of the game, giving Chesapeake possession of the ball as the second quarter began. The Panthers led 6-0 at the end of the first quarter
As the rain intensified in the second quarter, so did Chesapeake’s determination. After an extended standstill, freshman running back Andrew Isaacs made a 3-yard rush to get the Panthers on the scoreboard, putting them ahead 7-6. However, Fairland responded quickly with a touchdown by their wide receiver Connor Black, regaining the lead by halftime at 13-7.
With the rain easing up in the third quarter, Fairland found renewed energy. In a crucial play, running back Quentin Cremeans set up Bumpus for another touchdown, and with a successful field goal Fairland’s lead extended to 20-7. The Dragons then added to their advantage when their running back Davin Murray rushed for a 23-yard touchdown, pushing the score to 27-7.
Chesapeake, determined to rally, scored on a pick-six by senior Drew Plantz, narrowing the gap down to 27-13. The Dragons kept pushing forward with the help of quarterback Jack Hayden, who was unable to find an open receiver and rushed for a 12-yard touchdown late in the third quarter. With the successful kick, Fairland closed the quarter up 34-13.
Hayden continued his standout performance in the fourth quarter, receiving a 10-yard pass from his alternate quarterback Ethan Waltz to add another Fairland touchdown for the night, bringing the score to 41-13. Chesapeake was determined but could not contain the Dragons, in the last few minutes Bumpus capped off the night with his third touchdown of the night, rushing 5-yards for the touchdown. Ending the game with a 48-13 victory for the Dragons.
The Dragons’ championship win marks an impressive comeback after last year’s runner-up finish to Portsmouth. Fairland heads into the postseason with confidence, while Chesapeake concludes its first winning season since 2016.