Alter runs over Fairmont

Triple option produces 258 rushing yards; 5 takeaways turn tight game into rout  for defending D-IV state champions.

Alter quarterback Zane Pitzer scored on a 20-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and directed an offense that had no turnovers in the Knights’ 47-21 win.

Staff photo by Jan Underwood Alter quarterback Zane Pitzer scored on a 20-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and directed an offense that had no turnovers in the Knights’ 47-21 win.

ENLARGE PHOTO

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By Doug Harris, Staff Writer Updated 12:17 PM Saturday, August 29, 2009

KETTERING — Alter may have lost nearly half of its starters from last year’s state championship team, but the holdovers showed they’re capable of performing some dazzling deeds themselves.

The Knights turned five takeaways — four interceptions and a fumble recovery — into touchdowns, and their defense shook off a wobbly first quarter to assert its  dominance in a 47-21 win over Fairmont in the Dayton Daily News Game of the Week Friday.

Justin Winters galloped for 105 yards and three TDs on 10 carries, and Cody Taulbee picked up 52 yards and three scores on nine lugs.

Alter tried just  two passes but tripled-optioned its way to 258 rushing yards.

“Anytime you can win the Fairmont game, you’re real pleased,” Alter coach Ed Domsitz said. “The seniors have worked hard. They all want to let people know, as good as we were last year, we’re still pretty good.”

Fairmont fans probably should wait another week before judging the Firebirds, who were playing short-handed because of injuries and disciplinary issues.

Coach Brian Blevins wouldn’t discuss the off-field problems, saying only that six or seven starters were sidelined.

“I’m not going to make any excuses,” he said. “Out there, a lot of people know we had to overcome some adversity this week. ... I guarantee you next week you’re going to see a different team.”

Three interceptions led to a trio of TDs for the Knights in just under two minutes late in the first half.

The flurry began when safety Cody Byers fleeced Fairmont sophomore QB Nick Bower. The Knights scored eight plays later, taking their first lead at 21-14.

Jack Bolek and Nolan Plate then followed with their own momentum-fueling picks.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or at dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com

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