Trojans open 2016 on road in Williamsburg

Fairfield:

2015 record: 4-5

Key returners:

QB Cameron Baumann, RB Brandon Smithburg,

OL/LB Michael Fritz

Key losses:

WR Alex Crile, WR Jordan Reid, RB Fejon Redd

Williamsburg:

2015 record: 7-4

Key returners:

WR Derek Greiner,

QB Graeson Trevino

Key losses:

QB Vic Mally, RB Blake Hughes, RB Alyn Francis

Weather forecast:

According to the Weather Channel, it?s projected to be 64 degrees at kickoff with only a five percent chance of rain and a humidity of 91 percent, which should fall as the game continues. Cloudy conditions will keep players and spectators warm, with little rainfall before the game to keep the field dry (hopefully).

Last meeting:

Sept. 27, 2013: Williamsburg 56,

Fairfield 14

It was the last game of Cameron Baumann?s stint as the backup quarterback, as he filled in to score the only two touchdowns in the game, running the ball 13 times for 33 yards. He completed seven of his 10 passes for 73 yards and did throw an interception in the loss, but would go on to start the rest of 2013 and every game leading to Friday, where he will open the year as the starting quarterback for the third straight time. Williamsburg got their scores on a 13-yard touchdown run by quarterback Jacob Donohoe, a 35-yard scamper by Nick Spratt and a 7-yard score from Jared Steckley. Donohoe also threw three touchdowns, one to Tyler Jensen, one to Justin Ling and one to Aaron Schultz.

Players to watch:

Fairfield:

RB Brandon Smithburg

Head coach Mike Schenck has been very impressed with his starting running back and Fairfield would love to establish the run early in the game and continue to pound the defense and whittle them down with long drives and consistent first-down running. Smithburg likely won?t have the same kind of breakaway speed that Redd did at the position, but if he can hold on to the ball and keep churning out first downs, Fairfield will be very happy playing against a weakened defense.

Williamsburg:

WR Derek Greiner

At 6 feet tall and 199 pounds, Greiner?s not the most intimidating person on the field, but the senior will likely be a big-play threat for the Raiders in 2016. Last season, he averaged 15.9 yards per carry rushing and 18.2 yards per catch, scoring three touchdowns. With Blake Hughes and Alyn Francis gone by graduation, Greiner will likely be a big part of the Williamsburg offense.

Hold the line

Normally, not many people get excited about the offensive line, but Fairfield fans should be keeping an eye on this group in 2016. The entire position group returns, anchored by Michael Fritz, while tackle Austin Simpson will be a pain for opposing defensive ends at 6-feet-4 inches tall and 275 pounds. There?s an inherent toughness to be had to play line, and with many of the group also on the wrestling team, they have it in spades. With a year of experience under their belts and a lot of brimming potential, the line will be the biggest key for Fairfield to have success in 2016.

Waugh?s big debut

Another player that Schenck is excited to see in full pads and game action is tight end Tristan Waugh. Waugh?s a big, strong kid at 6?1? and 240 pounds and, according to Schenck, may have the best hands on the team. He?ll create position mismatches inside and force teams to defend him by the season?s end, opening up opportunities for Fairfield?s big play potential on the outside. Waugh will also see time at defensive end, where he?ll hopefully be terrorizing opposing quarterbacks.

The battle for the second corner spot

Most of the Trojans? defense is set minus the second cornerback spot, which is still in contention. Hunter Hoskins will be Fairfield?s No. 1 corner, but watch who the Trojans put in on the other side of him. There are a lot of candidates with different skill sets who could fill the role, but it?s up to whoever can be the most aggressive and attack the ball in the air who?s going to get it. Some players you might see playing corner are: Collin Breen (6?2?, 155 pounds), Caden Jones (6?, 150), Dallas Peebler (5?9?, 145), Derek Beasley (5?8? 140) and Saban Simons (5?9?, 145) among others. It?ll be an interesting group to watch and see who comes away with the starting nods by season?s end, especially at a position group which has been very strong for Fairfield in the past.

Last season, Fairfield was the only Southeast Conference team to come away with a victory in the opening week. Granted, that was against Davis County, and Williamsburg is a step up, but tougher competition will make Fairfield stronger as the year continues on.