- Senior Salute: Leland Gantz
- 2024 Final Leaders: Southeastern Indiana
- 2024 NKFCA Top 26
- 2024 OPSMA Division I All-Ohio Teams, Ponatoski tabbed as OPOY
- 2024 OPSMA Division II All-Ohio Teams; Burnam named Co-OPOY
- 2024 OPSMA Division III All-Ohio Teams
- 2024 OPSMA Division IV All-Ohio Football Teams; Taft’s Pavey named Co-DPOY
- 2024 OPSMA Division V All-Ohio Football Teams
- 2024 OPSMA Division VI All-Ohio Football Teams
- 2024 OPSMA Division VII All-Ohio Football Teams
2024 Snapshot: Fairfield
- Updated: May 22, 2024
Getting key stops on defense and closing out games kept Fairfield from having a successful season in 2023. The Indians went 2-5 in tilts decided by seven points or less and gave up 30 points or more eight times in 11 contests. With eight starters back from the GMC’s bottom ranked defense pride and accountability is motivating the unit. With a 10th consecutive playoff appearance on the line, expect Fairfield to be very focused on its tasks at hand.
The biggest hole that the Indians must fill is at quarterback where four-year starter and GMC Player of the Year, Talon Fisher has graduated. “There is a three-way battle for the job and it will make for a great summer,” head coach Jason Krause states. Fairfield can replace Fisher’s production with a strong cast of playmakers at the skills positions. The offense won’t need the quarterback to shoulder the load.
There are some things that Krause really likes about this group of Indians. “We have tremendous senior leadership.” He also believes his squad will be much improved in the trenches. “We will be better up front on both sides of the ball. This is strongest team I have ever had.”
Fairfield hasn’t had back-to-back losing seasons since 2011 and ’12. There is too much talent that has waited for their time to shine, this team is hunger should be enough to keep that dubious streak from being broken.
Division I, Region 4
2023 RECORD: 3-8, 3-6 GMC
COACH: Jason Krause (74-65 at Fairfield, 13 years; 159-133 overall, 27 years)
HONOR ROLL
Carson Scott, Sr, C – The leader and anchor of the offensive line. The 6-foot-2, 268-pound Scott was named Second Team All-GMC as a junior.
OTHER RETURNEES
Tyler George, Sr, RB – Moves to running back and will be one of the Indians top offensive options. George was very productive in all phases of the game, as a junior. He amassed 1,104 all-purpose yards (704 KR/PR, 229 rec, 81 rush), had 17 receptions, found the end zone twice (one KR, one rec), averaged 28.8 yards on 24 kickoff returns, was in on 28 total tackles, with two tackles for losses, six pass breakups and two interceptions.
Aiden McGuire, Sr, K – Heads into his senior year as one of the best kickers in school history, and that’s saying something! There has been a string of very good kickers during Krause’s tenure. McGuire has connected on 96/101 extra point attempts and 11/14 field goal tries for 129 points in his career.
Raymir Coney, Jr, LB – A rising star who has all-state talent. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Coney recorded 60 total tackles, two-and-a-half sacks and 10.5 tackles for losses as a sophomore. He has offers from UMass and Toledo.
Derion Prophett, Sr, WR – We expect a breakout senior campaign out of Prophett. He had eight receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown a year ago. Prophett has offer from BGSU and UMass.
Mason Gatto, Sr, LB – The Indians need Gatto to remain healthy and be a spark in the middle of the defense, if they are to take a step forward on that side of the ball.
A’Shion Ruff, Sr, WR – Will team with Prophett to give Fairfield a potent one-two punch at receiver. Ruff had 15 catches for 190 yards with one touchdown receiving and one rushing in 2023.
Tyon Spiller, Sr, S – Will be a key member of the secondary and may even see some time at receiver. He had five receptions for 72 yards and a touchdown as a junior. Spiller has offers from Army, Navy and BGSU.
Ryan Riemenschneider, Sr, OT – A returning starter, the 6-foot-6, 270-pound Riemenschneider helped pave the way for the Indians to average 304.6 yards of total offense in 2023.
Marcos Tiderman, Jr, LB – A healthy Tiderman is ready to have a big junior year.
Gabe Ross, Jr, S – A pleasant surprise in 2023. Ross registered 48 total tackles, five tackles for losses, with three pass breakups and an interception as a sophomore.
Kane Fisher, Jr, DL – Will be called upon to provide leadership along the d-line. Fisher was in on 30 total tackles, with two-and-a-half sacks and four tackles for losses a year ago.
Cam Crigler, So, OG – Is ready to step in and become a factor on the offensive line for the next three years.
Kobe Lewis, So, OLB – Indians fans caught a glimpse of Lewis’ bright future at the end of last season. He 14 had 14 total tackles and two tackles for losses in the teams final two games of his freshman year.
NEWCOMERS
The Indians coaches are expecting big things out of junior DL Joseph Traore and sophomore WR Kayvon Burns. Both players have high ceilings.
PLAYOFF HISTORY
(15 appearances, 7-14) – 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2005, 2000, 1999, 1986 (State Champion), 1985
2024 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/23/24 – WAYNE (7-4 in 2023) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/30/24 – at Colerain (0-10) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/06/24 – at Sycamore (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/13/24 – at Lakota West (11-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/20/24 – LAKOTA EAST (1-9) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/27/24 – at Mason (7-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/04/24 – HAMILTON (8-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/11/24 – at Princeton (11-1) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/18/24 – OAK HILLS (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/25/24 – MIDDLETOWN (3-8) – 7:00 PM
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