Roush Stadium, Kettering — October 17, 2025

On a crisp fall evening at Roush Stadium, the Fairmont Firebirds gave their homecoming crowd exactly what they came to see — tough, physical football. With a defense that refused to bend and an offense that methodically wore down Springfield, Fairmont claimed a 10–7 victory in classic Firebird fashion.

The win, built on 230 rushing yards and over 31 minutes of possession, was a testament to Fairmont’s brand of patience and power. Every yard mattered, every minute chewed off the clock felt like control.

A Statement Start

Fairmont set the tone from its opening drive. After forcing a quick Springfield punt, the Firebirds marched 70 yards on 16 plays, all on the ground. Senior backs Damien Pattin, Logan Doty, and Kameron Thornton took turns grinding through tackles before senior fullback Skyler Slifer powered in from two yards out with 34 seconds left in the first quarter. Demaris Shafeek’s extra point made it 7–0 and capped a near ten-minute drive that epitomized Fairmont football.

Springfield Responds, Fairmont Settles Back In

Springfield answered in the second quarter with its own extended possession, moving 80 yards in 14 plays behind quarterback Christopher Wallace, who capped it himself on a 7-yard keeper midway through the period. But the Firebirds nearly reclaimed the lead before halftime. Sophomore quarterback Reagan Heffner hit Nolan Stringer for a 19-yard gain to the Springfield 15, but Fairmont’s 25-yard field goal attempt drifted left as the half expired.

The teams went to the locker room tied 7–7, and the temperature — and tension — both began to drop.

Defense Holds the Line

Fairmont’s defense took over after halftime. Linebackers Connor Robinson and Demetrius Winn were all over the field, combining for 15 tackles, while Skyler Slifer added five stops and a third-quarter interception that halted a Springfield drive deep in Firebird territory.

The Wildcats were held to just 82 rushing yards on the night, most of it on a single 39-yard run in the third quarter. Fairmont’s front refused to yield, bottling up lanes and forcing short completions underneath. When the game tilted toward the fourth quarter, it was clear Springfield had worn down.

Firebirds Finish the Job

That’s when Fairmont’s offense did what it does best — march. Starting at their own 23, the Firebirds embarked on an 18-play, 72-yard drive that drained over 11 minutes from the clock. Pattin carried the ball seven times on the series, Thornton and JJ Hill chipped in for key conversions, and the offensive line — anchored by Cooper Harbarger and Kolby Wallace — leaned forward with every snap.

When Kole Krejny’s 33-yard field goal split the uprights with 3:26 remaining, Fairmont reclaimed the lead, 10–7.

From there, the defense sealed it. Robinson and Winn led the charge on Springfield’s final possession, forcing a turnover on downs near midfield. The Firebirds punted strategically to pin the Wildcats deep, and a last-second heave from Wallace fell harmlessly to the turf as the homecoming crowd roared its approval.

By the Numbers

Fairmont outgained Springfield 244–242 in total yardage but doubled the visitors’ time of possession. Pattin paced the Firebirds with 128 rushing yards on 27 carries, while Thornton added 45 and Hill 21. Heffner completed both of his passes, including the key connection to Stringer in the second quarter.

Defensively, Robinson led the team with eight tackles, while Davion Rand and Winn each added seven. Slifer’s interception loomed large as Springfield’s only turnover of the night.

LOOKING AHEAD
Next week, the Firebirds travel to Beavercreek for a Week 10 matchup that has extra meaning and motivation as both teams look toward the possibility of clinching a playoff spot with a win.