Preview: Beavercreek at Fairmont

When Fairmont takes the field in our U.S. Marines Battle of the Gridiron Series matchup with Beavercreek it will be two days short of a year since the team’s last victory. The Firebirds have lost nine games in a row dating back to last season. Despite the rough times, hopes and optimism are still high however as they firmly believe they are capable of knocking off the Battlin’ Beavers in a first step toward a GWOC National East title.

Beavercreek LB Jack Knipper (photo courtesy of ScoutingOhio.com)

“If there is such a thing as a good 0-4 team, we would be it,” Fairmont athletic director Chris Weaver states. He knows it sounds corny and cliché but there is a real feeling that the program is beginning to turn the corner under new coach Dave Miller who had a very successful stint at Covington prior to heading landing at Fairmont.

On the other end of that spectrum is Beavercreek who has reversed its fortunes. The Beavers have gone 10-5 since the start of 2015. Now the goal for the ‘Creek is to get to the playoffs for the first time in school history.

Two schools with ascending aspirations and bright futures will make for a game full of heart and soul. It doesn’t get much better when a pair of teams with something to prove go at it with unbridled passion.

BEAVERCREEK BATTLIN’ BEAVERS (3-1) at FAIRMONT FIREBIRDS (0-4)
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m., Roush Stadium
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PLAYERS TO WATCH: The Beavers are spreading the wealth on offense. Five players have more than 220 yards rushing – RB Kaden Wegner (402), RB Rodney Alston (283), RB Justin Terrell (273), RB Noah Kerrigan (244) and QB Cody Hocker (222). Alston leads the team with five touchdowns followed by Terrell with four.

The situation on offense at Fairmont mirrors that of their opponent. Four players are averaging at least 10 carries a game – RB Darnell Boulware, RB Dylan Krieger, QB Miles Johnson, RB Kennon Burroughs and another is averaging eight totes – RB Jake Perkins. Junior, Burroughs is averaging 91.3 yards on the ground and 8.3 yards per carry over the last three games.

TEAM TRENDS: Expect a very quick game and very few passes. Beavercreek has run the ball on 253 of its 276 offensive plays, 91.66% of the time. Fairmont has carried the ball on 229 of its 250 plays, 91.60% of the time. The Beavers are churning up 372.5 yards on the ground per contest.

Beavercreek has an amazing time of possession of 34:08 of the 48:00 minutes on the clock per game. The Beavers held their first three opponents to negative yards rushing. The Beavers defense makes it even tougher on foes. They have allowed a miniscule 21 total yards rushing on 81 carries for the season.

BEAVERCREEK’S KEYS TO VICTORY: Continuing to what they do best which is move the chains and keep the ball out of opposing offenses hands. Defensively, it would be a huge plus if the Beavers can force a couple three-and-outs or turnovers early and build a lead. Making Fairmont play catchup would be a huge advantage. The longer the Firebirds stay in the game the more their confidence is going to grow, behind their home crowd. Beavercreek needs to nix that from happening from the onset.

FAIRMONT’S KEYS TO VICTORY: Taking care of the football is priority number one. The Firebirds have turned the ball over eight times. That comes out to one lost possession per half. Rectify that situation and Fairmont starts winning more than it loses. Then the offense would start wearing down opponents instead of the defense being worn out by foes.

Prediction: BEAVERCREEK 23, FAIRMONT 14

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