Fair stated hours later that the place looked so much different after the additions and jumbotrons. It’s so much larger. It brought back many memories. There were so many big wins and big games.” Fair was an outstanding offensive player for Jackie Sherrill’s Mississippi State Bulldogs in late 1990s. Fair stated that the SEC West Division was won by Fair. We won over Florida and Alabama. There are so many fond memories. “And now, I have one more, and this is right at top.” Fair’s Lafayette team defeated Poplarville 27-12. Fair built a 27-0 advantage by eating four Hornets turnovers. The Commodores fulfilled their coach’s prediction early in the season. Fair stated that their goal was to win the state championship. Fair spoke to Will Sammon, The Clarion-Ledger in April. “… our goal for this year is win the state championship. “I don’t see why you should wait around.” The Commodores didn’t. They did fall short in their first two games against Horn Lake and Grenada. They have now won 13 consecutive games. Fair stated that they have been fighting hard throughout the season, much like today. Fair is no stranger to success. Fair was an offensive line coach for South Panola under Ricky Woods and Ed Stanley. After a short stint away from football, he sold insurance and then returned to coaching at Pillow Academy where he won a state championship. He coached Senatobia for two years between Pillow and Lafayette and reached the playoffs in both of those seasons. Fair was asked Saturday about Fair’s early season statement. This put a target on the Commodores and may have increased the pressure on Fair. He said, “I think there is enough pressure.” You have to be confident. It makes me a better coach, and it makes my players better players.” The Commodores of his were very economical on this grey, wet day. They threw the ball seven times on a wet field, but only six of them completed 104 yards. They were very opportunistic in defense, and they also excelled on special teams. Drew Dabney punter averaged 51.5 yards per four punts. Fair stated, “You have to give Poplarville much credit.” We rose big, but they didn’t give up. “We beat a very strong, extremely well-coached, team.” Jesse Parnell, Poplarville, was the game’s star player, running for 216 yards with a touchdown and 26 carries. Jamarcus Quarles, who ran for 70 yards on 22 carries in Lafayette, was balanced by William Ard’s passing of 104 yards. Fair shrugged when Fair was asked if his team had fallen after gaining a 27-0 lead. Fair replied, “No sir.” “We played hard. Poplarville was also a good sport, with three touchdowns being called back.” Fair stated that the only thing that really matters is the state championship and this gold ball. “That was our goal, and we achieved it.” *** Rick Cleveland is Mississippi Today’s sports columnist. Check out his columns as well as his Sports Daily blog. Reach Rick at rcleveland@mississippitoday.org.