Davis County presents stiff opener for Fairfield

Fairfield?s season opener Friday night comes against a Class 2A Davis County team that the Trojans handled 23-0 to begin the year on its home field in 2010.

But this year?s Mustang team is just outside the preseason top-10 and comes back with a host of returning starters at quarterback, receiver and in the trenches. Meanwhile, the Trojans will be breaking in plenty of new position players as they make the trip to Bloomfield.

?No doubt, it?s definitely going to be a challenge for us,? said Fairfield head coach Mike Schenck.

Among those stepping up to the offensive challenge will be junior quarterback Dillon Fry, senior running back Zach Vivier and an athletic group of receivers led by senior Corbin Harwood. The offensive attack may be a little different from recent years, but no doubt they will try to replicate the 265 rushing yards that were rolled up last year.

A powerful Fairfield offensive line had much to do with that ground success, but it is now time to introduce three new offensive linemen who also have all-district performers Colton Boas and Will Kincart to contend with.

?They?re a ranked team for a reason and have some fine kids coming back,? Schenck said. ?Most of the offensive and defensive lines are back as well, and that may be the toughest matchup for us at this point.?

Davis County?s experience spreads to quarterback where Josh Martsching ? also an all-state defensive back ? is back under center after a highly productive 2010. Martsching completed just 6-of-20 passes against Fairfield last time, but went on to connect on more than 50 percent of his passes for over 1,000 yards on the year.

?That year of experience always bodes well, and he has a good arm as well as a good head on his shoulders,? Schenck said of Martsching, who is also a fully-capable runner. ?I?m sure throwing the football will be a major part of their game plan.?

Calvin Mathews is a big target at tight end, who should get plenty of balls going his way along with Mylo Wells, Austin Roberts and Damen Dixon on the outside.

Tailback is where the Mustangs do lack experience after losing their top two runners to graduation, so Friday night may turn into a running back by committee situation. Especially if Martsching can?t get things going through the air. If so, the Fairfield defense led by linebacker Tanner Metcalf and nose guard Cody Kool will once again try to shut down the run game that was only able to gain 86 yards last August.

Metcalf and Kool are two of the leaders on the 2011 Fairfield team and should be ready to get their senior campaigns underway.

?There?s no question we need a game,? said Schenck, who will be coaching his first game since the 2009 season finale. ?I?m also real fired up about getting back out there and coaching.?

Temperatures may still be lingering in the 80s by the time kickoff rolls around in Bloomfield, which is set for approximately 7:30 p.m.