Mandy
The Fairland Owls and the Talihina Golden Tigers faced off in a high-stakes Class A-II state semifinal matchup that delivered intense momentum swings, dramatic scoring drives, and a heart-stopping finish.
For Fairland, this game marked a historic milestone—their first semifinal appearance since 1972—while Talihina entered the contest with an impressive 12-0 undefeated record.
Fairland’s Strong Start
Last season, Fairland ended with a 3-7 record, but this year’s team stepped onto the field determined to rewrite their story.
Talihina opened the scoring early, yet Fairland quickly countered.
Early Offensive Highlights
- Quarterback Carson Schertz handed the ball to Keylen White, who powered into the end zone to give Fairland a 7-6 advantage.
- With three minutes remaining in the first quarter, Schertz kept the ball himself and scored, extending the Owls’ lead.
- In the second quarter, Schertz connected with Bostyn Stephen on a deep throw, setting up another Fairland touchdown.
- With only 17 seconds left in the first half, Schertz ran in yet another score.
At halftime, Fairland held a 28-20 lead, showing confidence on both sides of the ball.
Momentum Shifts In The Second Half
Fairland opened the third quarter by moving into field-goal range and adding another three points. The game continued to build intensity as both teams exchanged big plays.
Key Second-Half Highlights
- Schertz found Colt Kinsey for a critical touchdown, pushing Fairland ahead 38-26.
- Talihina responded shortly after, with quarterback Landen Griffith handing off to Gavin Brown for a touchdown that tightened the gap to 38-34.
- For much of the third and fourth quarters, neither defense allowed points, building tension as the clock wound down.
A Wild Fourth Quarter Finish
With just three minutes remaining in regulation, Griffith connected with Jake Sherer in the end zone, lifting Talihina to a 40-38 lead.
Closing Moments
- With one minute left, Schertz broke through again on a quarterback keeper, reclaiming the lead for Fairland at 46-40.
- But the Golden Tigers were not done. With 24 seconds left, Griffith launched a deep pass to Cy Ammons, who hauled in a spectacular 50-yard touchdown. The successful PAT gave Talihina a razor-thin 47-46 advantage.
- Fairland attempted one final drive, but Schertz’s pass was intercepted by Ammons with only six seconds remaining, sealing the Owls’ fate.
Final Score And Season Wrap-Up
In an electrifying back-and-forth game, Fairland fell to Talihina 47-46.
The Owls concluded their season at 10-4, while the Golden Tigers advance to the state championship next week.
The semifinal showdown between Fairland and Talihina showcased determination, resilience, and explosive playmaking on both sides.
Although the Owls came within seconds of advancing, a dramatic late-game surge from the Golden Tigers ultimately decided the outcome.
Fairland’s season, however, remains historic—a remarkable turnaround from last year and their deepest playoff run in more than five decades.
FAQs
When was the last time Fairland reached the state semifinals?
Fairland last appeared in the state semifinals in 1972, making this year’s run especially meaningful.
What was Talihina’s record entering the semifinal matchup?
Talihina entered the game undefeated at 12-0.
What was the final score of the Fairland vs. Talihina semifinal game?
The final score was 47-46, with Talihina securing the win in the final seconds.