by By: Tyler Danburg
FAIRVIEW PARK, OH — Week One for both the Parma Redmen and the Fairview Warriors was not what they expected for their new first-year head coaches Vince Gerace and Sean Ranc. Despite a limited-capacity crowd of just over 350 fans, the Warriors were looking to play off of a still energetic home crowd for Week Two
Fairview — having won the toss and electing to receive — took advantage of a strong kick return and strung together a 75-yard touchdown drive that ended with quarterback Sean McNamara finding Isaac Paxton for an eight-yard touchdown; the third career touchdown reception for Paxton.
Following the touchdown, Parma was shut down for their second three-and-out of the contest. But what would soon happen for both teams were two quick fumbles. Fairview’s Gavin Jennings coughed up the football on the Parma 28-yard line, while Parma’s Seth Marez lost the handle two plays later.
What propelled the Warriors in the first half was their strong defensive line, fueled by the play of Alex Barnhart and Kaiden Hopkins. After a 40-yard David Nemeth punt that backed Parma up on their own two, Redmen quarterback Keanu Krall was stuffed in the end zone for a safety, making the score 9-0 Fairview in the second quarter.
Once the second half began, Parma got more comfortable, putting together an upfield drive that put the ball on the Fairview three-yard line. But Fairview’s defensive line made three stops to force a successful 14-yard field goal try from Jordan Carrado to make it 9-3. David Nemeth hit a 33-yard field goal for Fairview soon after to bump Fairview’s lead back up to nine.
Parma started to reach higher ground, especially after a drive that ended up in points, one that was filled with multiple highly-executed chunk plays. But Fairview’s secondary — one that struggled one week ago — would morph into a juggernaut. Parma’s Keanu Krall was quickly intercepted by Fairview captain Declan Jewitt, who then scampered 48 yards for a pick six, his second total touchdown of the year.
One possession later, Sean McNamara entered the pick party with one of his own, the second thrown by Redmen quarterback Krall. His return following the interception set the Warriors up in the red zone, which ultimately led to McNamara finding Isaac Paxton again for the senior wideout’s second touchdown of the night to make it 26-3 Warriors.
The Redmen still had the opportunities to come back in the fourth quarter. That was no more evidential than when Parma’s human highlight reel, wide receiver Gavin O’Donnell returned a kick for 85 yards to set up an Ethan Scott rushing touchdown. That score would be Parma’s only touchdown and the last piece of scoring in the game.
While Ethan Scott, who replaced the injured star running back Dominic DeArman, ripped off a 90 yard run, Fairview defensive tackle Alex Barnhart wrapped up the Parma quarterback Krall for the game ending sack to seal a 26-10 win for the Warriors.
Fairview moves on to a 1-1 record, garnering the first win of the Sean Ranc era, while Parma stays winless at 0-2. Fairview will travel to Bay next Friday to take on an 0-2 Rockets program, while the Redmen look to bounce back as they host Holy Name the same night.
Player of the Game: Sean McNamara – Fairview QB/CB
Among the brightest of lights between these two teams tonight was Fairview quarterback Sean McNamara. The junior and first year quarterback passed for well over 100 yards and two touchdowns, while also connecting with five different receivers. On the defensive side, he was just as magnificent, as he delivered the Fairview defense’s second interception of the night.
Other Notable Performers:
Isaac Paxton – Fairview WR
Paxton was on the receiving end for McNamara’s two passing touchdowns; Paxton’s first two touchdowns of the season, and the third and fourth of his career.
Gavin O’Donnell – Parma WR/KR
While Parma did not win the game, Gavin O’Donnell helped keep the Redmen in it. He racked up over 50 yards on six receptions, and ran a kick return 85 yards to the Fairview ten-yard line in the fourth quarter.
Declan Jewitt – Fairview WR/FS
On the night, the former quarterback-turned-wide receiver accounted for 100+ all purpose yards, and returned an interception for a touchdown at the free safety position in the fourth quarter.
For more High School Sports coverage and updates, follow Tyler Danburg on Twitter @TylerDanburg
