Division / region: D-I, Region 2
League/conference: Greater Western Ohio Conference, Central Division
Head coach: Andy Aracri; fifth season as Fairmont's head coach; career record of 8-32.
Assistant coaches: Stephen McDonald, Jay Niswonger, Scott Horcher, Dick Hill, Mark Smith, Tim Gabbard, Dave Baker, Jules Grasso, Tony Bower, Nick Bower, Tom Downs, John Franz, Ryan Parker (freshman head coach), Brad Probasco (fr.), Mark Martin (fr.), Randy Morrow (fr.).
2013 record: 1-4, GWOC Central, 2-8 overall.
2013 highlights / notable achievements: Dropped a close 17-14 opener to rival Alter, then beat playoff-bound Miamisburg 36-20 in Week 2. But that was the only win in a challenging non-league five-game run that also included Springboro (9-2), Trotwood-Madison (11-3) and Lebanon (7-3). In all, Fairmont played seven teams that advanced to the playoffs. Three non-league schedule changes; Springboro, Trotwood and Lebanon have been replaced by Toledo St. John's Jesuit (2-8), West Carrollton (0-10) and Greenville (2-8) in Weeks 3-5.
Key returners:
Keivante Tanner, sr., WR; had a way of finding the end zone. The Firebirds had 12 total passing TDs and Tanner was responsible for eight. He is a big target all over the field and a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Tanner also finished with 494 receiving yards (10th in the conference). Second team All-GWOC Central; offered by Western and Eastern Michigan.
Alec Fontaine, sr., QB/DB/ATH; 3-year starter and 2-time All-GWOC. Stepped in and became the general of the Fairmont offense after an injury to starter Jaryd Murphy early last season; All-GWOC Central special mention; 900 passing yards and 10 TDs. A two-year captain, also ran for two scores. Against Northmont threw for 211 yards and three TDs.
Andrew Garwood, sr., LB/DB; top returning tackler, finished with 69 tackles, including four games in double figures; long, lean and physical player who can play anywhere on defense; able to cover down field and come up and be a force as a run stopper.
Alex Ray, sr., OL; a returning starter up front; agile, aggressive and physical. He can move defensive lineman as well as get down field to block the second and third levels; also plays volleyball; team captain.
Grant Short, sr., LB; started every game at three different positions. Expectations are high as he looks to lead the Fairmont defense; a hard-nosed player who loves the process and will most likely find a permanent home at LB; had a way of being around the football in every contest; biggest game was defeat of Springfield when he had a forced fumble and returned an INT 19 yards for a TD; finished the season with 41 tackles and half of a sack; team captain.
Ryan Hughes, sr., WR/S; undersized receiver who runs great routes and has outstanding hands; very smart and tough competitor who is a leader on the offensive end.
Key newcomers:
Maurice Adika, jr., RB/LB; a physical specimen who has sprinter speed to get to the edge and also the power to break tackles up the middle.
Wes Ewing, jr., WR/DE; could be the perfect complement to Tanner at receiver and will provide the defense with depth at end; long, tall athlete who has the physical ability to attack an offensive front from the edge and catch the ball down field.
Alex Decker, jr., WR; Similar to Ewing, this tall, long athlete can take advantage of match ups across the field and make big offensive plays.
Drew Gudgell, jr., LB; played in the final seven games; will open the season as part of the defensive rotation after a solid sophomore season, totaling 20 tackles, 15 of those solo.
Nick Moreland, so., RB; cut from the same mold as former Firebirds star Chris Rhoades, a strong, fast and physical runner who is going to outlast opponents.
Austin Tackett, so., DL; another long lineman, at 6-3 could be one of this season’s most pleasant surprises in the GWOC Central.
Coach's comments: Expectations are high for this 93rd edition of Fairmont football. These seniors have been focused and working since they entered as freshman on taking the next step as a football program - win close/tough games and not just be competitive. They understand the tradition of Fairmont football and are committed to leading this team to great success on Friday nights and relevance in the GWOC. A strong senior class of 27 will lead this team each week.
Schedule:
Fri., Aug. 29 Alter, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 5 at Miamisburg, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 12 Toledo St. John’s Jesuit, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 19 at West Carrollton, 7 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 26 Greenville, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 3 Centerville, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 10 at Wayne, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 17 at Springfield, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 24 Northmont, 7 p.m.
Fri., Oct. 31 Beavercreek, 7 p.m.
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