Elks ‘special’ when it matters, win opener
KETTERING — Centerville special teams coach Adam Taylor is going to have something specialwaiting for him today during film sessions.
“He’s going to get an extra Bill’sdonut,” Elksheadcoach Brent Ullery said. “Special teams was a big difference tonight.”
It was THE difference. Trailing 20- 14 after a fourth- quarter Fairmont touchdown, Centerville junior Cam Smith took the ensuing kickoff 95 yards for the decisive score in a 21-20 win over the host Firebirds at Roush Stadium in Friday night’s season opener.
The Elks also cashed in on an onside kick to start the second half (which led to the game-tying score), a fumble recovery on another kickoff and a missed extra point by Fairmont (prior to Smith’s heroics) to escape with the win.
The victory came on the heels of last season’s 28-20 win by Fairmont, which was the Firebirds’ first in the series since a 28-23 win in 1997.
Fairmont owned a 14- 0 first-half lead thanks to second-quarter touchdowns by quarterback Male’k Hillon ( 3-yard run) and running back Keon Wright (35-yard run). A 1-yard touchdown run by Centerville quarterback Chase Harrison closed the gap to 14-7 at half.
Centerville opened the second half with its successful onside kick, which resulted in a 4-yard touchdown run by Brant Callahan. The Elks recovered a fumble on the ensuing kickoff, which thwarted another Fairmont drive and led to Centerville’s only special teamsmuff— abarely-missed 32-yard field goal.
“I tell you right now,” Ullery said. “Both our kickers showed up tonight.”
Smith, who doubles as the Elks punter, averaged 38 yards on five kickswith a long of 49 yards. His impact play, however, gave the Elks their first opportunity at the lead. Kicker Jackson Courville’s PAT delivered the win.
“What was cool about (Smith’s return), when you watch it on film, (Smith) was sprungbysomeother special athletes blocking for him,” Ullery said. “It was sweet.”
Fairmont’s last possession endedwith its thirdturnover, a fumble recovered by Centerville’s Jonathan Bruder.
“It was certainly tough,”
Ullery said. “We didn’t know how good we were. We hadn’t seen a full-speed look yet. But neither had they. So it was a level playing field.”
Neither teamscrimmaged lastweek due to GWOC recommendations. A scoreless first quarter allowed for acclamation.
Both teams managed 12 first downs, but Centerville won the turnover battle 3-0. Fairmont outgained the Elks 283-195.
Wright carried the ball 10 times for 153 yards and a touchdown for the Firebirds, while Tank Gant had 90 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries.
Harrison completed 9-of14 passes for 85 yards and carried 12 times for 44 yards anda touchdown. Amajority of his rushing yards came in the last 4:12 of regulation as the Elks drained the clock.
Callahan added 44 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries.
Ohio was one of 10 states nationally kicking off Friday, including Texas. A total of 18 states are currently playing high school football.
“We’re just thankful to be out here on a Friday night,” Ullery said. “It was fun.”