Fairchild throws for the first TD pass of his NCAA career

It was the impossible, and unthinkable that happened Saturday night as #24 Cincinnati knocked off #2 Oklahoma.

It started off with everyone surprised that UC held the Sooners to just 3 points in the first half.  The Bearcats offense couldn’t get it going in the first half and left many people wondering if freshman QB Billy Fairchild could get his unit going after throwing an interception with their first possession of the game.

Entering the second half the Bearcats got the ball and took the drive 85 yards for a score. The drive was capped off with Fairchild throwing a 18 yard strike to his tight end  for his first career NCAA touchdown to cap the drive.

The drive took the wind from the sails of the Sooner crowd and UC’s offense took over to control the game. In his first start Fairchild ended the game going 18-31 for 233 yds, 2 TD’s, and an INT. He also ran for 18 yds and a TD.

When asked about the upset Coach Brian Kelly replied “I am really proud of our team tonight. This is the proudest I have been to be a coach for UC. Not only did we have a great performance from our freshman quarterback, but our defence held them all night.”

At the post game confrence Fairchild was asked how it felt. “It feels great. We just did our job as a team. Our D was tough as nails out there.  The first half I was battling nerves. That place was loud (laughs), I made a bad read and made a mistake. Luckily I was able to just go back out there and play like I know I can.”

Fairchild Named Starting QB For The Bearcats

(WCPO.com)

Just three days after Billy Fairchild attended camp he has move form 3rd on the depth chart to the starting role.

When asked about the move coach Brian Kelly said “Billy proved the impossible to me. I was sure he was green and was not going to come in as a true Freshman and start for us. I was clearly wrong. The first week of practice he has done nothing but elevate our teams play.”

“I just came into camp knowing this was going to be something I had to work for. Coach seen how much I wanted this and seen that I am ready for this role.” Fairchild stated during the recent press conference.

The true freshman will have one of the toughest challenges a young quarterback could experiance when the Bearcats face #2 Oklahoma in their first game.

The Bearcats sign top prospect Fairchild

(WCPO.com)

In a press conference Billy Fairchild the quarterback from Clinton Massie High School announced today that he will be attending the University Of Cincinnati.

This was felt by many in the NCAA football front. With offers of a starting job at Ohio State, as well as Georgia Fairchild takes a 3 string role for UC.

UC coach was asked about Fairchild’s commitment.  ” We have expressed out interest in Billy since his sophomore year. He has visited the school 3-4 times and we really liked what we seen in him. I also was very up front with Billy that he is going to have to prove he can start at this level. This is why he is third on the depth chart.”

With that being said, many critics are wondering what Fairchild’s think was going to a Big East school and being low on the depth chart.

Our sports analyst Jim Krieg had the opportunity to a short interview of Fairchild.

Jim: So Billy, we all want to know. What was the key factor in your decision?

Billy: Well, I have always been a huge fan of UC football. They aren’t over hyped and actually have a great program. Coach Kelly is also an amazing coach. I just knew this was where I belong.I wanted to stay close to home as well. I just couldn’t see myself at a big school. I am a small town kid remember? (laughs)

Jim: So how do you feel about being third on the depth chart?

Billy: I knew about that from day one. I came here to help the UC football program. If I have to earn a starting spot, I am all for that. I love proving myself. It makes me stronger.

(Courtesy of The Wilmington News Journal- Steve Jasper Sports Writer)

I had a chance to sit down with Billy Fairchild the Senior Quarterback for the State Champion Clinton Massie Falcons for a Q&A interview.

Q: How does it feel to lead your team to a State Championship?

A: Well, to be honest, it still hasn’t sunk in. I mean it’s been amazing, it’s pretty much unbelievable. As for leading the team, I wouldn’t go that far. I was just a piece of the puzzle. We all did our part and made a good run for it.

Q: Who was your biggest influence throughout this past season?

A: I have to say first my parents. They have been behind me 100%. After that, the team. All of us knew we had a shot at this thing the first day of two-a-days. We all did whatever we could to be our best out there every week.

Q: How has this year played a role in your life?

A: (laughs) It’s been unreal, just crazy. Getting letters, emails, people congratulating me when I am just at the grocery store, it’s just surreal. It’s a little weird at times cause I don’t feel like it’s all me. I had a great team that joined me this year, without them this wouldn’t have happened.

Q: What QB in the NFL do you look up to the most?

A: I would have to say hands down Carson Palmer. I just love his presence on the field, he is always calm and a true leader.

Q: Ok here is the question we all want to know. Have you decided on a school?

A: Maybe (laughs), I have been given a great opportunity of schools, and yes there is one that I have really always came back to. I really can’t say yet but when I announce it I am sure many people will be surprised.

Q: So your close to committing?

A: I think so, I mean I have a lot to think about. I visited 10 schools the summer of my junior year, so now it’s just mulling over the offers.

Q: No timetable on when we could see an announcement?

A: (laughs) I knew that was coming, but yeah, I’d like to think in a few weeks I will commit.

Q: Why could we be surprised about your commitment?

A: Well, I think I have reasons behind me choosing a school that some may not agree with. You have to remember, I am a small town kid. (smiles)

Q: Do you think you can keep up your outstanding play at the next level?

A: Well, it’s a huge step. It’s like the transition on college to NFL. Everyone is faster, bigger, stronger. I mean I am a big HS QB at 230 so hoping that softens some hits (laughs). I am already on a workout that should keep me on track for whatever this brings. I am not thinking about being the next big thing, but just want the opportunity to help whatever school I go to.

Q: Is there anyone you would like to thank?

A: Yes, I want to thank Clinton County and all of their sports fans. No matter what school your from you all have been supportive. I am a small town kid and appreciate all the support of our community. I just want to show everyone our area has some great athletes.

Clinton Massie won their first ever State Championship Friday night

(Courtesy of The WIlmington News Journal)

It was a big night for Clinton County sports Friday night as Clinton Massie travelled to “The Horseshoe” at Ohio State to face Avon Lake in the Div IV State Championship.

This game was a battle of possesion with CM pulling away late in the 4th quarter on Billy Fairchild’s once again impressive air attack. Fairchild tallied 320 yards and 4 TD’s through the air, he also rushed for 59 yards and a score to give Massie the win 42-24.

This marks the end of the best H.S. career of any Clinton County athelete in history. Billy Fairchild has already been noted as a shoe in for the Clinton County sports hall of fame. With his senior year in the books Fairchild’s career is looking to move forward as he is set to visit multiple schools to decide where he would like to play college football.

Next week we will have a one on one interview with Fairchild as a feature article, where we will hear his thoughts on his career and what is ahead of him.

Fairchild ran for 110 yards on Friday

(Courtesy of The Wilmington News Journal)

All week Clinton Massie was slated to be the underdog going into the State Semifinals Friday night. The critics are probably still in hiding, as this one wasn’t even close.

CM rolled into Stow and controlled this game from the first play. Billy Fairchild was under center giving the fans a glimpse of his superior athletic ability. On the first snap of the game Fairchild threw a deep post to Eric Moore for a 80 yard touchdown. For Stow, it was just that kind of night. Fairchild not only showed off his arm strength but used his legs to cover 110 yards, and a TD on 8 carries.  He was taken out of the game by coach Crites after the 3rd quarter. He still racked up 364 yards and 6 TD’s through the air.

There is even more and more buzz about Fairchild as he leads the Falcons to their first ever state championship game.

(Courtesy of The Wilmington News Journal)

Last night the Clinton Massie Falcons held Xenia to a meager field goal to take the win and advance to the State Semifinals.

The Falcons passing attack struggled early with Xenia’s defense showing what made them one of the best in the state. CM quarterback Billy Fairchild struggled in the first half throwing a career high 3 interceptions, and only throwing for one score. In the second half Fairchild was back to his phenom form as he threw for 4 more TD’s and brought Massie it’s second playoff victory of the season. Fairchild finished with 405 yards completing 18 of 24 passes and 5 touchdowns.

Rumor has it that scouts for Clemson, Cal, Florida State, and Hawaii were in attendence to see Fairchild’s play calling ability. It is yet to be seen if his lackluster first half performance took a hit to his scouting reputation.

(Courtesy of The Wilmington News Journal)

Clinton Massie Senior QB Billy Fairchild led his Clinton Massie Falcons to a 52-0 route over Bucyrus Friday night. He was 12 of 17 for 463 yards and 7 TD’s. The performance showed many of the scouts in attendance, that he has the talent to be a starter at the next level.

“Billy really did well tonight, he audibled when he needed to and went through his check downs like we have practiced all week.” Stated CM coach Dan Crites.

The Falcons are headed full steam ahead to round two of the Div. IV State Playoffs next Friday where they will face Xenia.