Goats second in district after 29-7 win over Eagles

In a contest that was, in spots, as ugly as the weather Monday night, the Fairfield Eagles (1-5, 1-2 district) fell to the Groesbeck Goats (6-3, 4-1 district) 29-7 in a Bi-Stone football matchup.

Taking place in Groesbeck, the game was marked by staggering winds and shifting rain, stifling most passing plays during the contest.

Goats quarterback Allen Lewis made the most of the grinding contest early, using his dual-threat ability to carve the Eagles up the field. Set up by a nice kick return, Lewis scored on a run from about 30 yards out just 71 seconds into the game to put Groesbeck on top 7-0.

On the other end, the Eagles’ offense struggled all night long,

beginning with a Dylon Rushin fumble on the team’s first possession.

Fairfield's lone bright spot came with 5:05 left in the first quarter,

as Jaylyn Daniels pulled off a highlight-reel run. Daniels weaved

through Goats traffic, eventually heading sideline-to-sideline and

scoring at the right pylon. The run and accompanying extra point would be the only scoring of the night for the Eagles, hampered by the Goats’ defense and the inclement weather.

The plodding contest continued at 7-7 until Lewis broke another keeper for a Goats touchdown with 8:04 remaining in the second quarter.

Turnovers befell the Eagles yet again on their ensuing drive,

with the ball slipping out of quarterback Kaden Crawford’s hands on a snap, recovered by the Goats.

The remaining five minutes of the quarter were a standstill, with the halftime score remaining 14-7, Goats.

To begin the second half, the Eagles offense received the ball again, but could not get any sort of traction on the opening drive. A forced punt in Groesbeck territory brought the ball back to Lewis, who connected with Zac Ellison on a deep throw for the score.

Down 22-7 after a Lewis keeper gave the Goats a two-point conversion, Crawford’s offense again sputtered. The junior threw an interception in his own territory with 5:48 to go in the third, but the Eagles’ defense was able to recover and stop any potential Goats scoring.

The offensive struggle continued late into the game, with not much in the way of passing from either unit.

With nine minutes to go, the Eagles brought forth a last-gasp effort

from their own 40-yard line, leading to a fourth-and-three at

midfield. Crawford converted the down on a pass to Luke Latham, only for his team to see fourth down again at 6:13.

Fairfield lined up to punt the ball, but punter Jonathan faked the punt with a run to the left side. He was stopped before he could pick up the 10 yards needed for a first down, sealing the contest for the Goats.

During the final minutes, Lewis went down hard, appearing to twist his ankle after being tackled. He was able to be carried to the

sideline, and was seen putting pressure on the injured area during

conversation with coaches.

Lewis was not needed for the Goats to finish off the Eagles, as backup quarterback Zachary Wilson took a run nearly untouched to the end zone from midfield, before giving the Eagles’ Latham a sizable stiff arm in the red zone.

The 29-7 win secures a second-place district finish for the Goats,

with Fairfield now in fourth-place at 1-3. The Goats are now done with the district schedule, and will face Normangee on Nov. 6 before playoffs begin. The Eagles’ game scheduled for Saturday against Kemp has been cancelled and will not be made up, with the team still searching for a Saturday opponent at press time.