In last week’s season opener, the Fairland Dragons suffered 10 turnovers in a 14-0 loss to Portsmouth West.

Monday, September 06, 1999

In last week’s season opener, the Fairland Dragons suffered 10 turnovers in a 14-0 loss to Portsmouth West. Friday night, the Dragons did not turn the ball over and blasted the River Valley Raiders 35-12.

Fairland, 1-1, had 270 total yards offense and held the Raiders to 166 yards, only 16 passing.

Jeremy Louden turned in a strong performance for the Dragons as he ran 15 times for 125 yards and scored three touchdowns. Darrin Thomas added 40 yards on nine carries.

The Dragons first touchdown was set up by a defensive play. River Valley had a bad snap on a punting attempt and Kyle Patton tackled the punter on the 16-yard line.

On the next play, Thomas bolted 16 yartds for the touchdown and it was 6-0.

Fairland put together a 54-yards, 8-play march on its next possession that lasted more than four minutes and was capped by Louden’ 5-yard run.

A short punt led to a 38-yard, 9-play drive halfway through the second quarter. Louden went the final 8 yards and it was 18-0.

After a 15-yard penalty against the Dragons, Junior Jamie threw a 33-yard halfback pass to Adam Burcham. The drive was set up by a blocked punt and took only 49 seconds. Jamie kicked the conversion and it was 19-0.

Another River Valley punt gave the Dragons the ball at the Raiders 45. On the first play, Louden went 45 yards for the touchdown and the lead was now 32-0.

Jeff Gardner ran 30 yards for a touchdown to cap an 86-yard,9-play and River Valley was on the scoreboard at 32-6

Nick Georges returned a punt 47 yards to the 20-yard line to set up the final Vinton County score. George did the honors with a 7-yard touchdown run with 9:02 left.

But Fairland’s Brandon Spence recovered a muffed punt at the 30-yard line to set up a 36-yard field goal by Jamie with 1:10 to play that capped the scoring.

Bob Giles had an interception return for 7 yards to aid the Dragons defensive effort.

Fairland, 1-1, is open next week.