Sometimes, as a High School football program, you face many challenges and distractions. This week was a whirlwind for the Fairview Football Team.
It started last Friday night, during FHS’s loss in the final seconds against Wickliffe, when the post-game news of Fairview football player, Senior Zuhair Jallad’s tragic death from a car accident days prior. As this week was emotional for the family, friends, and the football team, Fairview faced even more setbacks.
Fairview lost three days of contact practices leading up to their big game against Bay Village due to days off of school from extreme heat. But Friday night was different, as the Warriors were ready to host the Rockets on a chilly September, yet Octoberlike night.
Fairview started the game off with two three-and-out series, where Bay took advantage off of an Andrew Veverka rushing touchdown, one of the Senior’s two. At halftime, the Warriors found themselves down 14-0.
Things changed quickly, however, after Fairview LB Ian McClintock intercepted a Logan LaMere pass and ran it thirty-five yards to the Bay Village five yard line; setting up a Declan Jewitt rushing touchdown on 4th and goal. In a must stop situation for the Warrior defense, Bay Village answered responded with another rushing touchdown, this time via the area’s 4th-leading rusher, Sr. Connor Shell. Down 21-7, the Warriors stayed in the dogfight, responding with a Jack Provenza rushing touchdown.
Fairview’s defense had struggled all night despite the Ian McClintock interception, one of the highlights for Andrew Foyt’s defense. But down only 21-14, Fairview had an opportunity for defensive redemption. But Bay Village Running Back Andrew Veverka sprinted upfield through the Fairview Warrior’s defensive line for a touchdown to put the game to bed, 28-14.
Yes, Fairview’s first three games of Rocky River, Wickliffe, then Bay Village, were the same games as last year, but things have been different. Those first three games last year were all Fairview loses by 30+ points. This year, Fairview has lost their first three to the same teams. However, Fairview took Rocky River to triple overtime, losing 30-21. The following week, Fairview lost to Wickliffe 28-24 with twelve seconds left in the game. Then, Fairview, running on only one day of practice, falls to Bay 28-14, in what was a very good and close game throughout.
Warrior Football is back in action at home on Friday, September 14th where they kick off conference (PAC) versus Black River at 7 pm ET. If you can’t make it to the games, listen on the FPCSBN on Mixlr.