By Trent Moore/For The Sand Mountain Reporter
It took a two-point conversion with less than a minute left and a game-sealing interception in the final seconds, but Fairview (4-4, 3-3) knocked off Sardis, 43-42, on Friday in a key Class 4A, Region 6 game at FHS.
With the Aggies trailing 42-41, Austin Harris pounded in the two-point conversion to give his team the lead, but it took Bailey Strong’s interception in the end zone on Sardis’ ensuing possession to ice the victory.
Fairview quarterback Hayden Maples threw for three touchdowns and more than 220 yards in the shootout.
After riding a potent offense to a 21-7 lead in the first quarter, Fairview’s defense gave up some big plays through the air – including a 30-yard touchdown grab by Austin Hallmark – that allowed the Lions to pull it to within 28-21 heading into halftime.
Sardis (5-3, 3-3) opened the second half with a quick scoring drive that was closed out with a tying touchdown sprint by running back Keenan Lewis.
Following a punt by the Aggies on their ensuing drive, Lewis broke loose for a 58-yard scamper that ended at the Fairview 20.
But the Lions missed on a 30-yard field goal attempt, keeping the game square at 28-28.
For Sardis, Will Scott was 27-of-40 passing for 366 yards and four touchdowns.
Brett Rains caught 15 passes for 218 yards and two scores, while Austin Hallmark had seven receptions for 125 yards and two touchdowns.
Lewis finished with 118 rushing yards on the evening to go along with two scores.
The Lions, who have lost three in a row after a 5-0 start, conclude region play with a trip to fifth-ranked Oneonta on Friday.