The annual Battle of Kettering kicked off the 2025 high school football season on a humid August evening at Roush Stadium, drawing roughly 8,000 fans eager to see the longtime rivals Alter and Fairmont clash.
Alter appeared on the brink of defeat until a frantic final minute turned the tide. Rod Owens powered into the end zone on a 6‑yard run with 41 seconds left, tying the game at 21. Moments later, Nolan Ogburn forced a fumble that Wyatt Reifschneider recovered and ran 30 yards for the go‑ahead score, sealing a 28‑21 victory.
A Coach's Perspective
Coach Ed Domsitz called the win “the most significant victory in the seniors’ season,” noting that it marked the first time Alter had ever beaten Fairmont in that division and ended a four‑game losing streak.
The triumph propelled Alter to a 7‑4 overall record and a share of the Greater Catholic League Co‑ed Division title, while Fairmont finished 5‑5 after a narrow playoff loss to Lebanon. Both programs earned postseason berths, underscoring the competitive balance of the rivalry.
The game was heralded as one of the best in the rivalry’s history, not only for its dramatic finish but also for the electric atmosphere that lingered long after the final whistle.