TriStateFootball.com
Home / Cincinnati / 2019 Video Snapshot: Fairfield

2019 Video Snapshot: Fairfield

The Indians are chomping at the bit to make a big mark in the GMC and OHSAA Division I and the Region 4 playoff race. Head coach Jason Krause was very energetic in talking about his team for the upcoming year.

“I truly believe that the overall team speed for 2019 is the best I’ve had in eight years at Fairfield,” Krause claimed. “We got some solid experience coming back in key areas. It should be a fun ride this season.”

He also made it clear that if his team wants to take the next step, they must start winning the physical battle.

“Being tough is something we have been emphasizing hard in the offseason,” the coach added. “On both sides of the ball, controlling the line of scrimmage is crucial.”

Overall, this is a team that’s going to score points at will. They led the GMC in total offense in 2018. The biggest question will continue to be the defense. If they can improve as a unit, it could help them become a very tough team to beat when paired with one of the state’s best offensive weapons, running back JuTahn McClain.

Division I, Region 4
2018 RECORD: 7-4, 6-2 GMC
COACH: Jason Krause (46-39 at Fairfield, eight years; 131-107 overall, 22 years)

TOP RETURNEES
JuTahn McClain, Sr, RB: He’s the complete package out of the backfield. McClain rushed for 1,754 yards, caught 24 passes for 416 yards, racked up 2,320 all-purpose yards and found the end zone 31 times as a junior. He had at least one play of 60 yards or more in eight games. That effort earned him OPSWA Division I, First Team All-Ohio, First Team All-TSF, Southwest District and GMC Offensive Player of the Year honors. McClain has verbally committed to Kentucky.

Kody Hawkins, Sr, C: The 5-foot-11, 265-pound Hawkins gets the offense started. He was named First Team All-GMC in 2018.

LJ France, Sr, OL: Will team up with Hawkins to open up some monstrous holes for McClain and company. France was a First Team All-GMC selection as a junior.

Sawiaha Ellis, Sr, QB: Expect to move to quarterback after playing wide receiver last fall. Ellis threw for 401 yards, had two touchdown passes, ran for 120 yards, hauled in 16 receptions for 228 yards and had an interception on his way to being named Second Team All-GMC. Verbally committed to Toledo.

Dealo McIntosh, Sr, LB: Recorded 53 total tackles and had five sacks as a junior. That effort earned McIntosh Second Team All-GMC accolades. He has an offer from Tiffin.

Malachi Sanders, Sr, DL: The 6-foot-2, 270-pound lineman tallied 45 total tackles and had four sacks as a junior. Sanders was named Second Team All-GMC for his work. He has an offer from Lake Erie College

Jaydan Mayes, Jr, CB: Came on strong with three interceptions in his last four starts a year ago. Mayes has an offer from Bowling Green.

Brandon Smith, Sr, DL: A Second Team All-GMC offensive lineman as a junior. Smith will move to the defensive line and be a factor in the trenches.

Phoenix Porter, Sr, LB: Was second on the team in tackles with 58 total tackles in 2018. Porter also had 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception on his way to Second Team All-GMC honors. He has offers from Notre Dame College and Sienna Heights.

NEWCOMERS
Phil Thomas, Sr, slot/S: The senior will come in and be a two-way starter.

Omar Shteiwi, Jr, LB: Lost his entire sophomore season to a torn MCL. Shteiwi will play linebacker and be a presence for the Indians.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(10 appearances, 5-9) – 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2005, 2000, 1999, 1986 (State Champion), 1985

2019 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/30/19 – CENTERVILLE – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/06/19 – at Springfield – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/13/19 – at Middletown – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/20/19 – HAMILTON – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/27/19 – at Lakota West – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/04/19 – LAKOTA EAST – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/11/19 – at Princeton – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/18/19 – at Sycamore – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/25/19 – OAK HILLS – 7:00 PM
Fri – 11/01/19 – COLERAIN – 7:00 PM

ENDING THE DROUGHT
Last fall McClain became the first Indian to run for more than 1,000 yards in a season since 2005. Antoine Moore gained 1,517 yards rushing in 2005.

You must be logged in to post a comment Login