After taking a slim 20-15 lead into the locker room at halftime, Fairfax Head Coach Kevin Simonds had one message for his team.
"Let's get fired up guys, dominate," coach Kevin Simonds said to his team before the second half kickoff.
The Rebels did exactly that, outscoring the Jeb Stuart Raiders, scoring the first 15 points of the second half to take control of the game. They went on to win by the score of 35-21.
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On the Rebels second drive of the third quarter, quarterback Spencer Macleod handed the ball off to running back Marcus Bailey at midfield. Bailey found a hole in the line and sprinted down the sideline. At the 15-yard line Bailey fumbled but teammate, but the ball took a fortuitous bounce to teammate Anton Burns, who scooped it and took it the rest of the way for a touchdown. Macleod converted the two-point conversion on a run up the middle to give the Rebels a 28-15 lead.
The Raiders kept the Rebels on their toes on the ensuing drive. Quarterback Javonte Robinson hit Matthew Harrell for 30 yards on a 3rd-and-17. The drive quickly stalled, but the Rebels then dug deep into their back of tricks, and converted a fake punt to keep the drive alive.
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On the next play, the Rebels Sam Bechert sacked Robinson and took the quarterback's helmet off. The Fairfax defense stiffened after that.
Fairfax opened the fourth quarter on their 44-yard line with a 28-15 lead. On the first play of the drive, Austin Perryman caught a deep pass from Macleod for a 56-yard touchdown. From that point Fairfax was in cruise control. The Raiders scored a late touch with less than two minutes remaining but was too little, too late.
After the game coach Simonds quickly spoke to the team about the upcoming week.
"I know it is homecoming next week, and everyone is excited, but I want everyone to stay focused this week," Simonds said. "Everyone is going to be excited to watch Fairfax football next Saturday and they deserve to watch the best football team Fairfax has to offer. I want everyone to take care of each other this week, off the field, on the field, and in the classroom."
The Rebels host the Langley Saxons on next Saturday for homecoming.
