TIGERS DROP HOME OPENER, 26 - 12 !
Fairview got off to a slow start, falling behind 20 - 0 in the first half,
then rebounded in the second half but came up on the short end of a 26 - 12
score to Seneca in the Region 4 opener for both clubs. The Bobcats relied on
a ball control offense, having the ball for almost 31 minutes in dealing the
Tigers their first regular season loss since October, 2004. A Fairview fumble
set up the first Bobcat drive with good field position. The Cats scored on
their first possession, then converted on two more scores in the second
quarter for a 20 - 0 lead. The Tigers marched 72 yards in 2 minutes, scoring
with less than a minute left in the half on a three yard run by Jack McCann.
A missed extra point made it 20 - 6 at the half.
After a scoreless third quarter in which the Tiger defense stepped up to force
a turnover and two Seneca punts, Fairview scored in the first minute of the
4th quarter on a 67 yard reverse by Justin Haney. The Tigers went for the two
point conveersion and failed, but had another chance to tie the game with 5
minutes left. However, they turned the ball over on downs at the 12 yard
line. Seneca held onto the ball right up to the final minute, where a Bobcat
punt was downed inside the 15 yard line. A desparation pass was intercepted
on the 28 yard line and returned for a TD as the game expired.
The Tigers were held to 111 yards rushing, their lowest total in over four
years. Pat Michael was a defensive star for Fairview, making 18 tackles, 5 of
them being solo. Andrew Dawson led the receiving core with 4 grabs for 39
yards.
Matt Sundberg recovered a fumble for his second takeaway of the season. The
Tigers will host Harbor Creek in another Region 4 matchup. Gametime for
Friday's game, which is the Tiger Homecoming, is 7:00 p.m. at Keck field.