Fairview Field Goal Cuts Down Sycamore
In a defensive struggle, the Yellow Jackets were able to stay on top of Class 3A Region 6 with a victory over Sycamore. The War Eagles struggled to respond to Fairview’s defensive adjustments in the second half. The loss was Sycamore’s first in regional play.
Sycamore began the evening as rude guests for Fairview’s Homecoming as the War Eagles struck first with less than 2 minutes remaining the first quarter. The Yellow Jackets would respond in kind, as Hunter Caldwell would plunge in from 1 yard out to tie the game at 7 all. Sycamore would respond 20 seconds later with a touchdown to take the lead back at 14-7. Before the half, the Yellow Jackets would add another touchdown, but a missed extra point would set the halftime score at 14-13.
Neither team could establish firm footing offensively after the break. The teams would trade the ball a majority of the 3rd quarter before Fairview’s Jeff Perez would kick a 27-yard field goal with under a minute left in the quarter to give the Jackets a 16-14 lead. The Jackets offense was unable to put the game away in the 4th quarter. Victory seemed in grasp for Fairview with what looked to be a War Eagle fumble, but the referee overruled the rest of his crew and the ball stayed with Sycamore. However, the Fairview defense would leave no doubt as the Yellow Jackets picked off the War Eagles to seal the victory.
The win was Fairview’s fifth consecutive win since their 0-2 start. The Yellow Jackets are tied for the regional lead with Camden Central at 3-0. The Jackets travel to Lyles next week to face East Hickman, before returning home to face off with Camden Central the following week.
