Fairmont Senior punches ticket to state semis with rout of Philip Barbour

“We responded,” Fairmont Senior coach Nick Bartic said. “We had a really focused week of practice. Our guys were challenged in terms of responding from last week, and all around, all three phases of the game, much improved. Now we have to stay focused, have another great week of practice.”

Now, the Polar Bears will have the opportunity to avenge last season’s playoff loss when they face Independence in the state semifinals next week. Independence eliminated Fairmont Senior last season.

“As it should be, it feels like that's how it should be," Bartic said of the Polar Bears' upcoming matchup with Independence. "We have home field, but they're the champs, so they're the guys that ended our run last year, and now we'll try to end theirs this year. It's fitting that we match up like this. I expect a big-time atmosphere, a big-time game."

Additionally, Fairmont Senior quarterback Brody Whitehair completed 14 of 19 passes for 175 yards and three touchdowns.

The Polar Bears held the Colts to 92 rushing yards and only 51 passing yards on the night.

On the Colts’ first possession, Philip Barbour quarterback Kaden Humphreys’ pass near the right sideline was intercepted by Cannon Dinger, setting the Polar Bears up the Colts’ 42-yard line.

A theme early in the game was evident on the Polar Bears’ first offensive possession. On first-and-10 from the 31-yard line, Whitehair hit Ours over the middle, and Ours broke a few tackles on his way to the end zone for a 31-yard touchdown reception.

“I’m proud of everybody,” Ours said. “Brody (Whitehair) played great; (Cannon) Dinger played great. Even in the rain, we were still throwing the ball, able to make some catches. We had some drops, that’s expected in the rain. It’s hard to play in the rain. It’s a completely different ballgame when that football’s wet — both ways, running and catching. And for Brody, when he’s trying to throw the ball, that’s not an easy task. I’m proud of everybody tonight.”

Following quick three-and-out by the Colts, Fairmont Senior only needed six plays to score on its next possession. On second-15 from the 23-yard line, Ours took the handoff and sprinted up the middle and cut to the left, breaking a few more tackles as he sprinted to the end zone: 14-0 Polar Bears.

"He's tough to bring down, and when you get that push up front, that helps break tackles whenever you're able to get to the second level quick," Bartic said of Ours. "The rain, all the circumstances were there for us to have a slow start. We didn't do that, and our guys were still able to throw the ball. We still executed well despite all the other environmental factors. One thing led to another, and we were able to run the ball successfully."

Facing a fourth-and-5 from the 50-yard line on its ensuing possession, Philip Barbour opted to go for it, but its running back only gained a few yards, turning it over on downs.

That enabled the Polar Bears to begin their next drive on their own 47-yard line. Eight plays later, Damani Johnson scored on an 8-yard touchdown run up the middle. Cam Peschl’s extra point gave the Polar Bears a 21-0 lead.

Fairmont Senior’s scored on each of its next two possessions. Opting to go for it on fourth-and-6 from the 16-yard line, Whitehair dropped back and found Ours in stride in the middle of the end zone for a score: 28-0 Polar Bears.

The Colts turned it over on downs on their next possession, and although the Polar Bears fumbled on the first play of their ensuing possession, they recovered and maintained possession.

Five plays later, Whitehair found a leaping Dinger, who held on despite getting hit as he caught the ball, near the middle of the end zone for a 10-yard touchdown pass, stretching the Polar Bears’ lead to 35-0.

Dinger caught three passes for 42 yards.

Fairmont Senior added one more touchdown in the third quarter on a 6-yard touchdown run by Johnson.