Fairview retains gold with back-to-back Class A state championships
EDMOND, OKLAHOMA - Winning back-to-back state championships is never easy and neither is beating a team twice.
But the Fairview Yellowjackets accomplished both of those challenges on Saturday afternoon, as Fairview defeated Hooker, 34-8, in the Class A state championship game.
“It is a surreal feeling and we were unsure if we could unrealistically get back,” Fairview coach Robert Bernard said. “We knew we were going to be good again and we worked our tails off this summer.
"We did a great job buying in, and it is unbelievable to finish the job.”
Fairview beat Hooker, 56-22, earlier this season in September and both teams are in the same district.
After Fairview got a stop to start the game, quarterback Jax Bernard (the son of Robert Bernard) picked up a third-and long-with his feet, which jump started the explosive Yellowjacket offense. Then, Jax Bernard threw a pass to Reed Martens for 57 yards.
Three plays later, Bernard scored a rushing touchdown, making the score 7-0 five minutes into the game.
Hooker gambled by going for it on fourth-and-3, but was stuffed by many Jackets, and Fairview took over at the Hooker 46-yard line.
The Yellowjackets picked up a third-and-22 when Isaiah Burris caught a screen pass and made two defenders miss. Fairview drove down the field and on the first play of the second quarter, Jax Bernard found Brant Strader open for a 15-yard touchdown pass.
But Hooker’s Gunnar Martens blocked the extra point, making the score 13-0.
Fairview players celebrate after receiving the Class A state championship trophy Dec. 9, 2023.
After a turnover on downs by Fairview, Hooker found some success on offense, but the drive came to a screeching halt after an offensive pass interference penalty.
Isaiah Burris intercepted a pass and ran it back to the Hooker 42-yard line with less than three minutes to play in the second quarter. Two plays later, Bernard found Burris for a 39-yard touchdown pass.
“The ball I intercepted, I was in the right place to make the play,” Burris said. “Before the touchdown play, Jax said he was going to get me the ball. He can get you the ball however you want it.
"It is great playing alongside all our receivers and our amazing defense. It is a blessing to play football for Fairview.”
On the next series, Fairview’s Kaleb Outhier forced a fumble, then recovered the ball for 32 yards to score. Bernard found Mikka Wheeler for the two-point conversion, making the score 27-0, which was the score at halftime.
In the first half, Bernard threw for 102 yards, while Hooker had no passing yards and just 19 rushing yards.
“When you can force turnovers, it makes a huge difference,” Robert Bernard said. “Kaleb and really our whole team have been very opportunistic. It was great to see Kaleb score and I was so happy for him.”
Hooker forced two turnovers in the third quarter. Freshman Justin Palacios intercepted a pass early in the third quarter.
Then midway through the third quarter, Aydan Woolridge recovered a fumble at the Fairview 25.
But Hooker could not cash in a touchdown. On this possession, Hooker went for it on fourth-and-1, but was stuffed, giving Fairview the ball back.
In the fourth quarter, Hooker got the ball back and scored a 26-yard touchdown when Keilan Robinson found a wide-open Palacios. Palacios added the two-point conversion, making the score 27-8.
But Fairview responded with a quick six-play, 57-yard drive, finishing it with a 12-yard run by Wheeler.
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“We knew Hooker would not go away, but we have some dawgs on our team,” Wheeler said. “Once Hooker scored, we knew we had to swing back. Jax made some plays and for my touchdown run, I saw green grass in front of me.”
Fairview got the ball back with less than four minutes remaining. They ran out the clock and celebrated its fourth state title in school history.
“We did not play our best football in the second half, but our maturity is what allowed us to hold onto the lead we built,” Robert Bernard said. “Our guys stuck together and our defense was really solid.
"It obviously is never good or OK to play a bad half of football, but we got the job done.”
Fairview has won 30 games in a row and Jax Bernard threw for 231 yards and two touchdowns. Reed Martens did not score, but tallied 111 yards in receiving, which helped Fairview move the ball.
Burris and Strader each caught the touchdown passes.
“The weapons we have are unbelievable,” Robert Bernard said. “I cannot say enough about how well they have played all season and they make Jax look even better than he already is.”
Jax Bernard returns for his senior season and is excited to celebrate the victory. He said this win means so much not just for the players, but for the entire town of Fairview as well.
“We just had to play our style of football and we knew we would be good,” Jax said. “Celebrating with my dad and my teammates will be a blast. I will remember this season for the rest of my life.
"I am so proud to be from Fairview, and this win means so much for our town. Cannot wait to potentially do this again next season.”
Photos/video by Michael Kinney
-- Josh Jennings | @SBLiveOK
