Indians look to cap strong season vs. Big Blue

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By Jay Morrison, Staff Writer Updated 8:41 AM Friday, October 30, 2009

HAMILTON — Two of the more surprising teams in Greater Cincinnati are set to put the finishing touches on their seasons in a head-to-head battle at Virgil Schwarm Stadium.

The Fairfield Indians are hoping their surprisingly strong season continues, while the Hamilton Big Blue are looking to put an end to their unexpected year.

Thought by many to have a chance to contend for the Greater Miami Conference championship, Hamilton (2-7 overall, 1-5 GMC) has lost five games in which it was leading or tied late in the second half.

“It’s been a year of could’ve beens,” HHS coach Jim Place said. “I told the team last night that 90 percent of the coaches who coach a 2-7 team can’t wait for the season to end. But not me. I like these kids. They’re good kids, and they work hard. Something just didn’t click quite right this year.

“But we’ve got one more game to prove to people — and more than anything, prove to ourselves — that we’re a good football team.”

The Indians (5-4, 4-2 GMC) are the polar opposite. Picked to finish last in the GMC after winning just two games in the last three years, the team has really responded to first-year coach Aaron Fitzstephens and his staff.

And a win against Big Blue would give Fairfield just its fourth winning season since 1990.

“We’re really excited about the opportunity to finish with a winning record,” Fitzstephens said. “It’s been a great year. The kids have accomplished a lot, winning games and planting seeds for the future.”

The focus all year has been on this team and not the failures of the past, so it’s no surprise the Indians are taking the same approach as they prepare for Hamilton, the rival that no one on this year’s team has ever beaten.

“It’s just another game for us,” Fitzstephens said. “We have a lot of respect for Hamilton, but we’re motivated for every game we play. And I’m sure our seniors want to out with a win no matter who we’re playing.”

Of course the Big Blue seniors are just as eager to end their prep careers on a high note, although a couple of starters at the beginning of the year — quarterback Drew Townsend and offensive lineman Zac Winkler — will have to watch in street clothes due to injuries.

“I feel bad for those guys,” Place said. “They put their heart and soul into this team. But we’ll move forward with the other guys and try to finish off the year right.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2193or jmorrison@coxohio.com.