Humdrum Homecoming

9/20/2017

Between the slow start, fumbles, mental mistakes including two ineligible downfield penalties that cost the Hawks passes of 40 yards and a 63 yard touchdown, or the 14 points allowed in the last 1:13 of the game, Hayfield’s 30-24 victory over Fairfax was anything but pretty. Maybe it was the 14 days since Hayfield’s last game. Maybe it was Fairfax digging down deep for their homecoming crowd. Whatever the reason, when another school chooses your game to trot out their pageantry and festivities, athletes have to find that inner motivation to play the villain.

While the box score indicated a much closer game, the result was never really in question. Fairfax attempted a trick play on their first snap with a flea flicker, which was promptly intercepted by Senior Demonte Richardson. After a three-and-out by Hayfield, the Rebels of Fairfax fumbled on their second possession, recovered by Junior linebacker Tyler Brown. It took another stalled drive by each team before Hayfield was able to mount an eight play 71 yard drive capped off by a six yard Monty Byers (JR) run to take the 6-0 lead with 3:41 in the 1st quarter. Hayfield was deficient in attempting two-point conversions all night, going 0-5.

The Hawk’s next possession would end on a botched handoff that set the Rebels up with prime field position. Hayfield’s defense withstood three consecutive Fairfax plays within the red zone but didn’t break, only allowing a 24 yard field goal, their only points of the half. Hayfield responded with a heavy dose of run plays switching between Brian Cobbs (SR) and Josh Nsiah (JR), who found the end zone on a two yard run to take the 12-3 lead.

Fairfax was forced to punt on their next possession after Hayfield’s defense held them to negative yardage on three plays. The momentum was clearly on the Hawk’s side and would almost assuredly drive the ball for another score when the reliable Cobbs (SR) had his pocket picked, for the second fumble of the game. However, the defense wasn’t about to lose their momentum and got the ball back on an interception by Senior Sidkky Idris.

Up only 12-3 with 5:39 remaining in the 2nd quarter, Cobbs (SR) set out to redeem himself by bouncing and juking off defenders down the sideline on a 49 yard pass reception from M. Byers (JR). Cobbs (SR) would also find the Rebel’s blue end zone on a four yard run mid-way through the 3rd quarter to extend the lead to 24-3. The Rebel’s would finally chip their way down the field on a 14 play drive finding the end zone with 1:34 in the 3rd quarter, 24-10. Cobbs (SR) was firmly in control of this game, outpacing Fairfax defenders for a 60 yard touchdown run. Cobbs (SR) would be responsible for three touchdowns and 206 total yards – 128 on the ground, 49 receiving, and 29 in the air.

Down 30-10 with 4:43 to play in the game, Fairfax used their timeouts and took advantage of a poor offensive drive by Hayfield to score twice in the final 1:33. Their last gasp attempt at an onside kick with seven seconds remaining bounced out of bounds, sealing the victory for Hayfield. The series between Hayfield and Fairfax is knotted at three games apiece. The six point win was the closest margin of victory in any of the contests. If Hayfield expects to be competitive in their next game against South County, they’re going to have to play the villain, on their home turf.

Next up: vs. South County (1-2) | Friday, September 22 | 7:00 pm