By Jim Henry
jhenry@joplinglobe.com
PITTSBURG, Kan. — It's been an unforgettable weekend for C.J. Fondren.
And playing for a national championship in his hometown was only a small part of it.
After Fort Scott Community College's football practice ended Friday at Carnie Smith Stadium, Fondren took off for the hospital.
And at 2:43 a.m. Saturday, his fiance Samantha Padgett gave birth to their son, Aiden.
“I was there all weekend, then I came here (Sunday) morning and played,” Fondren said. “It was a big weekend. I didn't know it would be this weekend. It just happened. I was hoping I could come out here and get a win for him, but unfortunately it didn't happen.”
The Greyhounds and Blinn (Texas) College met in the first Citizens Bank Bowl on Sunday afternoon. While Fort Scott took control in the second quarter and built a 16-point lead, Blinn prevailed 31-26 after an 84-yard punt return for a touchdown with 15 seconds remaining.
For Fondren, a graduate of Pittsburg High School, it’s the toughest loss he's had to swallow.
“I'm at a loss for words,” Fondren said. “I don't know what to say. We played hard. We tried. Unfortunately it didn't come our way, but we're a great team. They're a great team. They deserve it. We'll get them next year.”
Fondren, the Greyhounds' top receiver this season with 30 catches for 375 yards, caught four passes for 48 yards, the longest a 28-yarder. He also made the final block on the perimeter that helped quarterback Dominique Davis score on a 12-yard run that gave Fort Scott a 26-10 lead early in the third quarter.
After Blinn cut the deficit to 26-24 midway through the fourth quarter, Fort Scott faced third down-and-5 from its 41-yard line. The Greyhounds faked the run, but Davis' pass to a wide-open Fondren down the right sideline was just overthrown.
“I wish we could have had a half-second longer to throw the ball because I thought we won the game there,” Fort Scott head coach Jeff Sims said. “I thought I had them on that play. I knew what was coming, and they made the play with some pressure.
“It's a big weekend for C.J. He had a baby (Saturday), and he made every catch we threw to him.”
For Fondren, the reality of fatherhood hasn't sunk in yet.
“It hasn't yet, but it will,” said Fondren, who played with his son's name and birth date written on his wristband. “After this weekend, it will.”
As for his football career next year, “I'm not sure yet,” he said. “It's still up in the air. I'm keeping my options open.”
