Fairless Falcons 2024 high school football schedule, preview

FAIRLESS FALCONS

• HEAD COACH: AJ Sarbaugh, seventh year, 36-28

• LAST YEAR: 4-7, 3-4 PAC-7

• POSTSEASON: Division V, Region 17

Fairless football’s returning lettermen (18)

Nate Blumenauer, OL-DL, 6-3, 265, Sr.

Cam Carl, WR-DB, 5-10, 170, Jr.

Hunter Dean, TE-LB, 5-11, 185, Jr.

Nate Dotson, WR-DB, 6-1, 150, Jr.

Maddox Durant, OL-DL, 6-1, 225, Sr.

Zach Gilkerson, WR-DB, 6-1, 165, Jr.

Brady Hardman, OL-DL, 5-10, 220, Sr.

John Hill, WR-DB, 5-10, 165, Soph.

Peter Killy, RB-LB, 6-1, 185, Sr.

Owen Kornish, OL-DL, 6-3, 300, Sr.

Aidan Lantzer, OL-DL, 5-11, 185, Jr.

Zack Long, QB-LB, 6-0, 195, Sr.

Troy McVicker, RB-LB, 5-11, 160, Jr.

Mikey Ritterbeck, QB-DB, 5-11, 175, Soph.

Peter Snavely, TE-DL, 6-3, 210, Soph.

Dylan Stevens, OL-DL, 5-10, 220, Soph.

Anthony Stutler, WR-DB, 5-11, 165, Sr.

Collin Sullivan, OL-DL, 6-0, 245, Sr.

Fairless football’s impact players

Fairless is hoping for a healthy season for running back Peter Killy. The three-year starter suffered an injury in the 2023 season opener and rushed for 468 yards and four touchdowns in roughly five games. He has the potential to be a 1,000-yard back. ... Two-way starter Collin Sullivan is the Falcons' top returning lineman. The three-year starter made All-PAC-7 and All-Northeast Inland District as a junior. He has a few NCAA Division II offers. ... Cam Carl is expected to make an impact on both sides of the ball. He is Fairless' top returning receiver. The team is also looking for him to lead the defensive backfield. ... Zach Gilkerson is coming off a productive sophomore season. The regional track and field hurdles qualifier will start at receiver and play in the secondary.

What's new with Fairless football in 2024

Sophomore Mikey Ritterback is in line to be the Falcons' starting quarterback. In replacing Carson Colucci, one of Stark County's career passing leader, Ritterback has big shoes to fill. He started three games at free safety as a freshman. ... Junior Hunter Dean and sophomore Peter Snavely will also assume bigger roles this season. Dean is in the mix at tight end and linebacker and will be on the field a lot on special teams. Snavely will play tight end and defensive end. Head coach AJ Sarbaugh said he is a strong player with a big frame and a lot of potential.

Fairless football’s outlook

The Falcons have a strong nucleus and a few two-way starters returning this year. Their core includes four starting lineman and a few skill players. After going 4-7 in 2023, how can they help Fairless soar back into PAC-7 title contention? "We need to finish games this upcoming season," Sarbaugh said. "In 2023 we lost four games by a touchdown or less." The Falcons have made the playoffs an unprecedented four straight seasons under Sarbaugh, their winningest and longest-tenured coach. Their goal is to be in a position to extend that streak. "We are looking for our kids to finish everything we do and continue to play with passion and pride," Sarbaugh said. "We want to get better each and every week, give ourselves a chance to play for the PAC-7 title and have an opportunity play Week 11 and beyond."

Fairless football schedule for 2024

Aug. 22 at Sandy Valley

Aug. 30 TUSKY VALLEY

Sept. 6 CLAYMONT

Sept. 13 TRIWAY

Sept. 20 at Northwest

Sept. 27 ORRVILLE

Oct. 4 at CVCA

Oct. 11 CANTON SOUTH

Oct. 18 at Manchester

Oct. 25 at Tuslaw

Home games in all CAPS. All games at 7 p.m., unless noted

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Fairless Falcons 2024 high school football schedule, preview