Calilin Grant stiff arms Fairmont linebacker Parker Leach as he fights his way outside to pick up a first down.
Photos Ron Nunnari | The Register-Herald
CLAYTON — Turnovers proved costly for Northmont during its homecoming game Friday against south of town rival Kettering Fairmont.
The Thunderbolts coughed up three fumbles and the Firebirds intercepted a pass, capitalizing on those turnovers to roll to a lopsided 42-13 victory.
“They have a really good quarterback and do a good job with their running game. We actually prepped for it really-really well,” said Northmont coach Tony Broering.
“I was really confident going into the game with our defensive game plan, but it’s one of those situations where – when you turn the ball over like that you really have no chance of winning any game,” Broering added. “When you turn it over and give a team extra possessions or a cheap score like they got, you are just putting yourself behind so far it’s tough to make a comeback.”
Sophomore running back Damien Pattin exploded for a 52 yard touchdown run and Max Gehring’s kick put the Firebirds up 7-0 at 2:33 in the first quarter.
On the ensuing Northmont possession the Thunderbolts coughed up the ball and Fairmont linebacker Scott Conley scooped up the loose ball and raced 18 yards to paydirt. Gehring tacked on the point after to give the Firebirds a 14-0 lead with 51 seconds left in the first quarter.
Facing a fourth down and 14 Brady Lupton fired a 26 yard touchdown pass to Akim Shabazz at 9:45 in the second stanza. Colby Barr’s kick cut the Firebirds’ lead to 14-7.
The Firebirds responded with a seven play; 71 yard drive capped by a Logan Doty one yard touchdown. Gehring’s kick put Fairmont up 21-7.
Lupton got driven into the ground on a hard tackle on Northmont’s next possession and Bryce Staggs came in to take over the quarterback duties. A low throw deflected off the intended receiver’s hands into the air and defensive back Toby Deglow snagged the ball and returned it to the Northmont 25.
Four plays later Doty scored on a five yard run and Gehring’s kick boosted Fairmont’s lead to 28-7 with 1:59 left in the half.
After the kickoff went into the end zone, Northmont fumbled on second down and eight and Fairmont recovered the ball at the Thunderbolts’ 21.
On the next play Brock Baker fired a 21 yard touchdown pass to Kameron Thornton. Gehring’s kick made it 35-7 with 1:16 left in the first half and the rout was on.
Fairmont scored on a one yard run by Pattin in the third quarter and Northmont scored on a one yard run by Calilin Grant in the fourth quarter to make the final tally, 42-13 in favor of Fairmont.
The Firebirds amassed 311 yards, 264 rushing with 16 first downs. Northmont had 255 total yards, 139 passing, 116 rushing with 16 first downs.
Pattin led Fairmont with 82 yards rushing on five carries and two TDs. Doty had 52 yards on 10 carries and two TDs. Grant led Northmont with 64 yards on 22 carries and one TD.
Reach Ron Nunnari at (937) 684-9124 or email [email protected].
