photos by Kevin Goldy | Ashland Daily Independent
Hazard’s Jordan Olinger fumbles as he is tackled by Fairview’s Elijah King and Chris Perkins in the first quarter.
Fairview’s Chris Brewer slips through the Hazard defense during Friday’s semifinal game.
The Hazard Bulldogs continued their journey to repeat as state champions last week as they hit the road for Fairview, and the undefeated Eagles. The Bulldogs struggled with their offense while they battled a strong running attack by the Eagles on defense. All of this combined brought Hazard’s journey to an end as Fairview moved on to the state title game with the 40-6 win.
The game started with Hazard catching a big break. The opening kickoff hit a Fairview player in the back, and was recovered by the Bulldogs. However, the Bulldogs would not be able to capitalize on the miscue as they coughed up the ball as well. Fairview would not make another mistake, and took the ball straight to the house (8-0).
Hazard’s second possession did not prove to be any more productive as it ended with a turnover as well. Again, Fairview was able to punch it into the end zone (14-0).
The Bulldogs were able to hang onto the ball on their next possession, but could not advance it downfield. The Eagles, again, kept the ball on the ground, and on the first play of the second period, Fairview found the end zone and a 20-0 lead.
Hazard began their next drive on their own 30-yard line, and after three plays were faced with a fourth-and-one. The Bulldogs decided to go for it, and came away with the first down. They began to roll at that point, and Brandon Jones changed directions for a 14-yard touchdown run. The extra point failed, setting the score at 20-6.
The Bulldog defense finally found a way to stop the Eagle running attack, and held strong on a fourth-and-one inside the five-yard line. Unfortunately, Hazard could not get out of the shadow of the goal post, and was forced to punt. The punt was blocked and the Eagles fell on it in the end zone, sending them to the break with the 26-6 advantage.
The defensive squads dominated play in the third quarter, with neither team getting a good look at the end zone. With 2:35 showing on the clock, Fairview got a long run for a touchdown, and the 32-6 lead.
The fourth quarter would offer up a single touchdown as well. With 5:49 remaining in the game, Fairview got another long run (29 yards) for a score. The Eagles were able to complete the conversion, and set the final score at 40-6.
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