Fairfield 2023-24 football preview

FAIRFIELD — Fairfield football will look a little bit different this fall as a number of key players from last year’s squad have graduated.

The Trojans are set to replace players in all major positions as their leading passer, rusher and receiver have all moved on.

On the passing side of things, Tate Allen held down the offense from under center.

Allen threw all but two passes during the 2022-23 season for 1,520 yards and 22 touchdowns.

Someone else will move into the quarterback position this fall.

Allen also led the Trojans on the ground, rushing for 617 yards and eight touchdowns on 116 carries.

Along with Allen, Fairfield loses its next two leaders in the category in Miles McEntee and Hunter Cecchini.

McEntee took the bulk of the carries out of the backfield last year after Cecchini went down with a knee injury.

McEntee ran for 238 yards and two touchdowns, while Cecchini rushed for 180 yards.

Cason Miller (87 yards) and Tallon Bates (41 yards) both had double digit carries for the Trojans as well. Look for the duo to take a step forward this fall.

On the receiving end of things, Max Weaton will no longer be a threat. Weaton was a big target for the Trojans in 2022, as he amassed 43 receptions for 601 yards and 13 touchdowns. Weaton was the only Trojans to catch over 15 balls over the course of the season.

On the bright side for Fairfield, four of the next five top targets return.

Bates caught 14 passes for 411 yards and four touchdowns, Miller eight passes for 150 yards, Bode Hoskins eight passes for 147 yards and Landon Nodurft five catches for 73 yards.

On the defensive side of the ball, the top two tacklers make a comeback. Lucas Konczal led with 20 total tackles last year, while Sam Weaton followed with 16.5 tackles.

The Trojans finished 4-5 in 2022. They will look to top that in 2023.