We asked Oak Mountain running back Nick Anderson what makes Fairfield such a danger to their 6A squad and he answered, “Speed, speed, speed.”
Head Coach Jim Vakakes agrees, ��We’ve got speed to burn.”
The only blemish on Fairfield's 9-1 regular season record was a loss to Oak Mountain 24-13. Fairfield was leading and had the edge in the game. However, an ill-timed punt breakdown saw Oak Mountain scoop up a five-yard punt and promptly scamper into the endzone. Fairfield lost the momentum and the game. The loss has left Fairfield’s seniors looking forward to the rematch.
“I want revenge. I had a good game last year against them,” relates Darrius Jackson, Fairfield’s all-star defensive tackle.
Linebacker Stanley Scarborough agrees, “We’d like to get that back. We’re ready for the big game.”
Coach Tim Vakakes, (aka Coach Tim), offensive coordinator stated, “A game like this against a very good 6A team could sure start off our season on the right note. We did that in 2004.”
Cornerback Erick Daniel shared, “The loss just showed us we need to work harder. Work more and get stronger.”
The results of their work is evident when Fairfield played 6A Clay-Chalkville for their spring scrimmage and came away with a 13-9 victory.
Coach Vakakes concedes, “They were without their starting quarterback who was playing baseball. We played a half with the older kids and the second half with the young guys.”
Fairfield competed in the post-season play-offs the last three years with last year’s loss coming in the second round to Buckhorn 13-7.
Erick adds, “We should be able, at least, to make it to the semi-finals this year.”
The talented team is attracting collegiate attention as well.
Coach Vakakes tells us, “This spring we had coaches visit from Arkansas, Alabama, Auburn, Memphis, Arkansas State, UAB, Purdue, Grambling State, Alabama A&M, Miles, North Alabama, Jacksonville State and more.”
Offensively, Fairfield is looking to fill skilled positions as Coach Vakakes continued, “We lost our quarterback and tailback to graduation."
“We return four out of five on the offensive line but, we lose three of our four wide receivers," Coach Tim said. "So, we’ll be pretty green in those positions. One of our top receivers last year, Jarvis McFarland, will move to quarterback this season.”
“McFarland is a better runner but, his passing is improving,” Coach Vakakes adds.
“We need depth and we are getting there. We are about 75% to that goal.”
The Fairfield faithful will see the emergence of freshman tailback Jermaine Jordan (5-10, 185).
“He may be the next great back to come out of this area," Coach Vakakes said. "He could play linebacker but, we don’t want to put that much on him right now."
Defensive Coordinator Marvin Ford adds, “We’ve had scat backs and what we call flash backs but, Jermaine will give us a true power back. That’s something we haven’t had since this staff has been here.”
“We also have two other backs in sophomore Larrius Houston and junior back Jeremy Madis,” Coach Vakakes added.
Fairfield lit up the scoreboard on several occasions in 2005 including five 40-plus point performances including two 60-point games as well. It is possible to repeat those stellar performances if they can shore up the new personnel at quarterback and wide receiver.
The defense is the exciting part of the 2006 team. Fairfield returns 10 of 11 starters, losing only one inside linebacker. They have three players recognized as All-State performers in the last two years--Darrius Jackson, Alex Mason and Derick Daniel.
The defense recorded four shut-outs and two other games allowed a single digit score in 2005. Their 5A opponents will have a tough task when they match up with the experienced players returning for the Tigers.
Erick Daniel tells us, “We didn’t lose much, and we are improving on our run defense. We want more turnovers and defensive scores this year.”
Erick recorded 81 total tackles with four interceptions for his junior season. He has received scholarship offers from Jacksonville State and Memphis.
Defensive back Derick Daniel, Erick's twin, accounted for 55 total tackles with four interceptions and eight pass break-ups.
Derick stated, “I’m working on speed and seeing the field more. I’m also building my stamina.”
At 5-6, Derick is finding it more difficult with the collegiate recruiters.
“They always say they like me but, that my height is a concern," he said.
“We’re not big but, we’re fast," Coach Ford said. "Darrius Jackson is our biggest guy. He is the heart and soul of our defense. He’s the type of guy that will take over up-front. Darrius is vital to our defense.”
Jackson, a defensive tackle, was selected First Team at the Scout.com All- American Combine in Tuscaloosa April 29. He recorded 75 total tackles, 24 for a loss, six sacks, and 19 quarterback hurries in 2005. He is currently recovering from shoulder surgery.
“They just scoped it and cleaned it out," Jackson said. "I’m ahead of schedule in my rehab, and it looks like I may be ready for the Oak Mountain game."
All-Star linebacker Alex Mason recorded 149 tackles, eight for a loss, four sacks and six quarterback hurries during his junior campaign.
“We’re looking for Alex to step-up and be a leader this season," coach Ford said. "We need that from him."
Linebacker Stanley Scarborough recorded 68 total tackles during his junior season and Coach Vakakes tells us, “Stanley has come light years from where he was. He needs to have a break-out year because he can play somewhere at the next level.”
Another important link and possible leader of the defense is Jordan Lewis, strong safety/cornerback. He took part in 124 total tackles with three interceptions in 2005.
Defensive back Julian Mallory recorded blazing speed in the 40-yard dash with a time of 4.39 seconds and a vertical jump of 38.6 inches at the Scout.com combine April 29. His junior season was impressive with 56 total tackles, four interceptions with three touchdowns.
“We’re looking for Julian to get more physical this year,” Coach Vakakes said.
Mallory and Derick Daniel are the return men on special teams. Daniel returned three for touchdowns in 2005 with the longest a 99-yard gallop.
“We’re okay on the kicking team," Coach Vakakes said. "We might be suspect on the punting squad but, we’ll get that covered."
“Summer work has included work in the weight room, ladder drills, agility work, pulling tires and running stadium steps. We want to get them acclimated to the heat and keep them hydrated. Then the kids work on things afterwards and that’s voluntary on their part.”
“Our senior class are workers. Jordan Lewis, Derick and Erick Daniel, Julian Mallory, Stanley Scarborough. Daryl Parks (defensive end) in particular is having a really good summer.”
We asked Coach Vakakes about possible leaders and he said, “Many have the opportunity to be leaders. We have 16 seniors. That will play itself out this fall. Right now, if someone is not working, the other kids will pick them up and get them going.”
Coach Vakakes added their success on the field has transferred to the classroom as well.
“When I first came here we had 22 kids in summer school and that’s out of 71," he said. "Now in my sixth year, we have four kids in summer school.”
“We have 18 eighth graders and they work like dogs. They come in and they don’t ever complain. It’s amazing.”
Coach Ford shared, “The gym is open from 9-11 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.. Those eighth graders are sitting outside waiting on the gym to open at 8 a.m..” He adds for emphasis, “They are an hour early. They get me excited.”
Coach Tim gave us some insight into that phenomenon, “The young ones see where the program is going, and they want to be a part of it. That helps. They just do what we ask of them.”
Asked about the upcoming challenges Coach Vakakes replied, “There’s no question after the last couple of years that we have an "X" on us. People are aiming for us. We’ve just got to keep the kids focused.”
“The community and the parents have been great support for Fairfield High School.”
Coach Tim adds, “Fairfield is a tight-knit community. If you live here, chances are your parents and grandparents lived here also. That makes for a lot of community support.”
Concluding our conversation with Coach Tim he adds, “These kids are getting used to winning. They take losses pretty hard. Like it’s the end of the world.” He pauses and adds, “I like that a lot.”
Fairfield’s coaching staff includes: Head coach Jim Vakakes; Tim Vakakes, offensive coordinator; Marvin Ford, defensive coordiantor; Terry Witherspoon, offensive line; Prentice Wilkerson, running backs and cornerbacks, and Keith Evans, wide receivers.
2006 Schedule
9/1 at Oak Mountain
9/8 Parker
9/14 at West End
9/20 Wenonah
9/27 at Erwin
10/6 at Pleasant Grove
10/13 Jess Lanier
10/19 at Hayes
10/27 at Woodlawn
11/2 Midfield
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ScoutSouth.com's feature writer Rebecca Johnston contributed to this Alabama high school preview.
ScoutSouth.com will continue to preview high school teams in Alabama throughout the summer.
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