Western-Star.com

LEBANON— Fairmont coach Brian Blevins was concerned about turnovers heading into Friday's football game at Lebanon.

The Firebirds carried a minus-11 turnover ratio into the game against a Warrior defense that was forcing more than two turnovers per game.

Fairmont turned the tables, however — taking the ball away four times and recovering an onsides kick — and claimed a 21-6 win.

"Our defense has been outstanding all season," Blevins said. "As well as they have played, all our offense has to do is not turn it over and tonight that's what happened."

Fairmont's defense even turned a turnover into points as Taylor Lovelace intercepted a Dusty Isaacs pass at the Warrior 10-yard line late in the first quarter and returned it for a touchdown. Josh Fries' point after try gave the Firebirds a 7-6 lead.

After an interception of another Isaacs pass by Nathan Kohls set Fairmont up near midfield, the Firebirds marched 56 yards in nine plays. Quarterback Marc Pedro plunged in from the 1, and Fairmont took a 14-6 lead into the half.

Late in the third, the Firebirds put the game away when Pedro connected with Chris Maloney on a 25-yard touchdown pass.

Lebanon's offense struggled all night. While turnovers were the main problem, the Warriors managed just 157 yards of total offense — 95 on the ground and 62 in the air.

The Warriors' only score came on a 78-yard punt return by Tyler Gilbert two minutes into the game.

"Defensively, we played well enough to win, and special teams played well enough to win," Lebanon coach Shawn Lamb said. "Offensively, we didn't get the job done."

Zach Schnee was Lebanon's top offensive producer, gaining 67 yards on 13 carries. Fairmont's Jamaal Everett led all rushers with 82 yards on 12 carries.

The Warriors drop to 1-4 on the season while Fairmont improved to 2-3.

"Our kids never gave up, and we're not about to start," Lamb said. "No one is panicking. We have to go out and work hard week-to-week to get better and I have faith that we'll do that. It's time to get ready for Springboro."

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4526 or shayes@coxohio.com.