Fairland clinches share of Ohio Valley Conference title for first time in eleven years
By: Ella Hughes
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PROCTORVILLE, Ohio (WOUB) – The Fairland Dragons defeated the Coal Grove Hornets 36-8 to win a share of the Ohio Valley Conference title for the first time since 2013.
Looking to come back after a shutout loss last week, the Dragon offense didn’t waste any time getting started. Fairland received the opening kickoff on their own 28-yard line and strung together a couple of strong runs from running back Lucas Bompus to start the drive. Three minutes into the first quarter, Fairland scored their first touchdown of the game off an 18-yard rush from Xander Collins. The two-point conversion was no good, Dragons led 6-0.
Coal Grove was hoping star running back Kaden Murphy could get their offense started. However, the Dragon defense was just as explosive as their offense. Fairland would recover a forced fumble and take over on their own 36-yard line.
The Dragons were quick to capitalize on the turnover, putting together a strong drive and finishing with an 18-yard rushing touchdown from Bompus. The two-point conversion was good, and the Dragons lead 14-0.
The Hornets were hoping to make a dent in Fairland’s lead and tried to get it going on offense. However, they were plagued with flags the entire drive and forced to punt the ball back to the dominant Dragon offense.
With starting quarterback Ethan Wall not dressed for tonight’s game, the Dragon offense was all run, and it paid off. To score the third touchdown of the first quarter, Xander Collins took it to the end zone with a 73-yard rush. The Dragons went for another two-point conversion, and it was good, Fairland led 22-0 to end the first quarter.
Coal Grove would start the second quarter with the ball on the Dragon 26-yard line, but again they would be set back by penalties. The Hornets put together a couple of good runs with Murphy, but an interception would end this drive early.
Fairland did not take their foot off the gas and Blumpus scored another rushing touchdown. The Dragons were now up by 28 halfway through the second quarter and didn’t look like they were slowing down any time soon.
The Hornets ran time off the clock and put together a good drive, but again they were overcome by penalties.
With just two minutes left in the half, the Dragons took over and their offense looked strong. Eight seconds left in the half and Hayden ran it in for Fairland’s fifth touchdown of the half.
Entering the third quarter down 36, the Hornets were hoping that they could mount a comeback. However, they weren’t able to put any points on the board until the fourth quarter when they broke the shutout scoring a touchdown with a successful two-point conversion.
With next week being the last regular season game both teams are hoping for a win. Fairland will look to continue their strong performance against the Chesapeake Panthers at home next week. While Coal Grove hopes to rebound next week against the Rock Hill Redmen.