LANCASTER – With school and scheduling changes as Hurricane Helene hit the southeast, Friday’s game at Andrew Jackson High School was postponed to Saturday – but the scheduling changes did not derail the Griffins’ momentum. They extended their win streak to five games with a 36-7 defeat of the Volunteers.
Following a scoreless first quarter, Andrew Jackson got on the board with a rushing touchdown. A good point after put them up 7-0 over the Griffins.
It was the last time both teams would be in that position for the remainder of the game as the Griffins took control of both sides of the ball.
A 72-yard pass from Kaden Diggs to Jayden Boyd put Fairfield on the board, but the failed two-point conversion left the Griffins trailing by one. A safety gave Fairfield its first lead of the night, then Tydarion Grier punched in his first touchdown of the night to put the Griffins up 15-7 following the point after with just under a minute to go in the half.
Grier found the end zone again to open the second half, and Fairfield went up 22-7. A scoop and score fumble recovery by Douglas McCloud Jr extended the Griffins’ lead to 29-7 with four minutes left in the third.
With five minutes to spare in the game, Grier found the end zone again – for the 13th time this season – this one from 13 yards out, to put Fairfield up 35-7. Another good point after attempt left Andrew Jackson trailing 36-7.
Grier carried the Griffin ground workload with 128 yards on 18 carries for three scores. Quarterback Kaden Diggs had five carries for 41 yards. Jalen Squirewell had two runs for 34 yards, and Steven Gadsden had a 23-yard run. Squirewell also had two catches for 34 yards. Diggs completed four of eight passing attempts for one touchdown and one interception.
The Griffin defense had a night, forcing five fumbles (recovering four). Dre Walker and Breone Whitaker each caused two fumbles. Walker had 15 total tackles, his season high – including one for loss. Whitaker also had nine tackles and a sack. Chantz Hemphill forced one fumble; he had 12 tackles on the night, including one for loss. Steven Gadsden had four solo tackles, three for loss – one sack and three QB hurries. Antario James had one interception.
Following their season opening loss to 5A Ridge View, the Griffins have outscored their opponents 288-63, allowing only one score in three of their five wins and shutting out one opponent.
The win, their fifth straight road win dating back to last season, moves Fairfield to 5-1 on the season.
Friday’s region game against Mid-Carolina has been postponed. As of The Voice’s press deadline on Oct. 2, there was no date set to make it up. They are slated to host Chester on Oct. 11 for another region contest.
