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SPORTS
Hatfield, Fairland look to pick up where they left off
Fairland quarterback Cole Hatfield tries to escape the Coal Grove pass rush Aug. 15 during the final game of the Ohio Valley Conference preview at LeMaster Stadium.
Purchase this photoPROCTORVILLE, Ohio -- Fairland's Cole Hatfield is coming off the game of his life last season and the excitement is quickly building to produce another thrilling performance as the Dragons prepare for their first football game.
In Fairland's final regular season game of the 2007 season, a 62-48 win against Chesapeake, Hatfield passed for 376 yards on 17 of 32 attempts and fired five touchdowns with two interceptions. Hatfield was equally impressive on defense, returning a 55-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown and intercepting a pass.
Now Hatfield's role is being turned up a notch as he enters his senior season. Portsmouth West visits Fairland to open the season Friday night.
"It pumps me up when I think about what I did in the last game I played," Hatfield said. "I just thank God for that game because a performance like that probably won't happen again, but I sure hope it does."
Hatfield received the U.S. Army/Jostens Ironman of the Week award in Ohio for his outstanding game. He finished second in the voting for Ironman of the Year.
With Hatfield behind center, Fairland figures to be an entertaining team to watch with an explosive offense. His significance to the team as quarterback on offense and safety on defense can not be stressed enough.
"Cole is a natural athlete and the type of player that can make something out of nothing," Fairland coach Roger Snyder said. "Cole is going to make plays for us this year and he's the type of player that's easy to spot on the field."
Last season Fairland finished 5-5, but with a healthy returning number of players in Snyder's return as head coach, the future looks bright.
Hatfield will also have a talented cast of players at his disposal. Two of his most dangerous targets downfield will be Chad Fisher and Aaron Ward.
"We are going to be a fun team to watch and we are going to put up a lot of points," Hatfield said. "Our goal this season is to win the OVC and make the playoffs."
Although Hatfield wants to put up big individual numbers, there's one thing on his mind that ranks even higher.
"I just want to get a win and set the tone for the rest of the season," Hatfield said. "I expect big things from the team and myself this year."
Friday Night Football
All games 7:30 p.m.
Ironton at Wheelersburg
Portsmouth West at Fairland
Chesapeake at Oak Hill
Coal Grove at Meigs
South Point at Portsmouth
Zane Trace at Rock Hill
Southern at Symmes Valley
River Valley at Minford
Gallipolis at Athens
Waterford at South Gallia
Manchester at Green
