The Fairfield Eagles fell behind 20-8 and outscored the Rusk Eagles 28-6 over the last two quarters to seal their first win in the season opener at home on Friday night.
Four running backs had over 60 yards rushing and three of them scored touchdowns in the win. Kameron Ransom rushed for 197 yards on 17 carries and scored two touchdowns.
Fairfield scored first after both teams exchanged punts. Kadarrius Walker scored on a 23-yard touchdown run midway through the first quarter and Jar-Mychal Hudson scored on the two-point run for an early 8-0 lead.
THE SPEED AND STRENGTH of #6 A.J. Polk and #32 JaShaughn Hatcher quickly bring down the Rusk ball carrier.
The Eagles forced a punt and took over and they drove into Rusk territory. Jashaughn Hatcher had a pair of 11-yard runs inside the 25-yard line. On first and goal, quarterback Chad Rushin bobbled the snap and Caleb McNair scooped it up and rushed 80 yards for the scoop and score touchdown. The extra point cut the lead to one at 8-7.
Both teams exchanged turnovers and the Rusk Eagles took the lead on a 35-yard touchdown pass for a 14-8 lead and later a 46 yarder to extend the lead to 20-8 heading into the halftime break.
Rusk took the second half kickoff and reached midfield, but they turned the ball over on downs when the snap sailed over the punter’s head and he was tackled at the 24-yard line. It only took one play for Fairfield to turn that mistake into points. Ransom took the handoff and sprinted through the defense for the 24-yard one play drive. Walker added the conversion run and Fairfield cut the Rusk lead to 20-16.
BREAKING AWAY from Rusk is #2 Kadarius Walker.
The teams again exchanged turnovers, one of five for the Fairfield Eagles on the night. Fairfield was able to take their first lead of the night when Hatcher scampered for a 12-yard touchdown run. Hatcher added the conversion run and Fairfield led 24-20 with :19 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
Rusk fumbled the ball and Blake Posey fell on it at midfield and they put the lead up to double digits. Ransom had an 11-yard carry and a pass completion inside the 15-yard line. Hatcher finished the drive with his second touchdown of the game on a three-yard run and the failed conversion put the lead at 30-20.
Ellis threw his third touchdown pass of the game to get to within 30-28 and the Fairfield Eagles answered with the knockout punch of the night. Ransom ran off the right side of the offensive line and put the game away with a 73-yard touchdown run to win the game 36-28.
WORKING TOGETHER to stop the Rusk Eagles are #9 Johnny Perez, #11 Ty Bachtel, and #32 Jashaughn Hatcher. (Photos by Melissa Lee)
The Fairfield defense held off a last second pass into the endzone to preserve the win. Jordan Gibson finished the night with two and a half sacks.
Fairfield will return home to take on the Brownsboro Bears. The Bears won their first game of the season with a 42-29 win over the Athens Hornets.
(Photo by Melissa Lee)
Pick up a copy of The “Times” this week for additional pictures of this game, and sports coverage for the Freestone and Limestone County.
