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2024 Snapshot: Fairmont

Fairmont QB Brock Baker (photo from X: @bakerbrock10)

They may have been late comers to the playoff party now Fairmont has become a perennial guest at the fiesta. The program made its first postseason appearance in 2008. It would take nine years to get there again. Since then, the Firebirds have been soaring as they to get to look back to the playoffs for a fifth straight year and seventh time in the last eight campaigns.

This recent success for Fairmont has come under the guidance of head coach, Dave Miller, whose teams have mastered ball control offense. Miller likes the 2024 version of the Firebirds. “We have leadership in each class from seniors to sophomores.”

With just six returning starters on each side of the ball, opportunities knock for the underclassmen on this squad. How they handle Friday night lights will be a key factor as to how deep of a run the Firebirds can make in November.

Fairmont expects nothing less than to get to the playoffs on a yearly basis. Now the program looks to take the next step and start racking up victories in the postseason. A regional title at the school was once a far-fetched pipe dream a decade ago, today it’s a much more reasonable and tangible goal to achieve.

Division I, Region 2
2023 RECORD: 5-6, 4-3 GWOC
COACH: Dave Miller (42-43 at Fairmont, eight years; 167-87 overall, 23 years)

HONOR ROLL
Brock Baker, Sr, QB – The real deal and leader of the Fairmont offense. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound Baker comes from great football pedigree and has all the attributes to be a great quarterback both in high school and at the next level. A Honorable Mention All-GWOC performer as a junior, Baker has run for 1,151 yards, thrown for 536 yards and accounted for 13 touchdowns (nine rush, four pass) in his two years as a starter.

Gavin Proffitt, Sr, LB – A team leader who is smart and brings a great work ethic every day. Proffitt was named Honorable Mention All-GWOC as a junior. He has 114 total tackles, nine-and-a-half tackles for losses, a sack, two fumble recoveries and four pass breakups in his career.

Logan Wilkins, Sr, DE/OLB – A versatile and very athletic player. Wilkins is nationally ranked track performer in the 110 and 300 meter hurdles. He is a tough guy to block because of his “hops.” Wilkins was an Honorable Mention All-GWOC selection after racking up 57 total tackles, 14.5 tackles for losses, four-and-a-half sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries as a junior.

Toby Deglow, Sr, DB – Will be asked to guide a young secondary when the going gets tough. In his first season as a starter Deglow was in on 50 total tackles as a junior. He was named Honorable Mention All-GWOC.

OTHER RETURNEES
Max Gehring, Sr, K/P – One of the premier legs in the state of Ohio. Gehring is drawing interest from several Division I colleges. As a junior, Gehring knocked down 19/20 extra points, hit on 7/9 field goals (long of 47-yards) and had 15 touchbacks on 36 kickoffs.

Konor Haston, Sr, DE – A relentless player with a high motor. Haston registered 26 total tackles and had four tackles for losses in 2023.

Taban Gifford, Sr, OL – A returning starter and one of the anchors up front. Gifford is a strong player that can open up big holes for runners.

Bret Fuller, Sr, OL – Plays the game with an aggressive style. A returning starter on an o-line that paved the way for Firebirds backs to run for 193.1 yards per game in 2023.

Skyler Slifer, Jr, LB – It was a breakout sophomore campaign for Slifer who showed his strength and athleticism on the field. He finished with 58 total tackles, seven tackles for losses and a fumble recovery.

Logan Doty, So, RB – Miller calls Doty a “complete football player – attitude, effort and athleticism.” He ran for 183 yards and a touchdown as a freshman.

Damien Pattin, So, RB – The future is bright for Pattin. He ran for 237 yards, with two rushing touchdowns and seven receptions for 60 yards as a freshman.

NEWCOMERS
A trio of juniors DB Kaleb Moore, WR Egan Keiber and RB Nolan Stringer are looking to make their presence felt on Friday nights. They bring much needed depth to the rotation,

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(seven appearances, 2-7) – 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2018, 2017, 2008

2024 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/23/24 – at Alter  (12-4 in 2023) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/30/24 – at Trotwood-Madison (9-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/06/24 – LA SALLE (4-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/13/24 – CENTERVILLE (9-3)– 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/20/24 – at Wayne (7-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/27/24 – MIAMISBURG (8-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/04/24 – at Northmont (7-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/11/24 – SPRINGBORO (2-9) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/18/24 – at Springfield (10-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/25/24 – BEAVERCREEK (2-8) – 7:00 PM

KEEPING IT CLOSE
Over the past two seasons 13 of the Firebirds 23 games have been decided by seven points or less. Fairmont is 7-6 in those affairs.

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