CARROLL, Ohio — Carroll native Donnie Bair's confidence is riding high as his beloved Bulldogs have reached the Division III state championship game in football for the first time ever. 

Bair's presence at Bloom-Carroll High School football, basketball and baseball games is unprecedented. 

For decades he's been on the sidelines or in the crowd. He's even danced during the halftime show.

Keeping score for the basketball team is one of his earliest memories. 

Bair says he's confident the Bulldogs will win their first-ever state title in football this weekend. 

“We're going to win Friday afternoon,” said Bair. 

Bair has lived his life with an intellectual disability, but that hasn't held him back from being an integral member of the Carroll community. 

Rena Kilby and her family have taken care of Bair for decades and have been his legal guardian for the past dozen years. 

She said Bair's commitment to Bulldogs sports is unmatched. 

“The other schools know who he is because he makes himself known because he's made such an impact and the kids love it,” said Kilby. 

Bair has also made an impact on AJ Ireland's life, both as a student, educator and head coach for the Bloom-Carroll High School girls' basketball team. 

He and Bair remain close to this day, enjoying breakfasts in town every Sunday morning. 

“It's just been great to get to know him and just have that relationship with him. And whenever he's in the crowd you always think you can win. You want to do it for him really, because he loves this school so much,” said Ireland. 

Although Bair has had some health concerns in recent weeks, rest and support from the local community have him back on his feet — and he will be in attendance for Friday's championship game. 

He'll be cheering for the Bulldogs and keeping a close eye on the officials. 

“You're going to be yelling at the referees? Oh yes, I will,” says Bair.