Fairfield looks for bounce-back week

KNOXVILLE — The Fairfield football team could very well be 3-0 heading into the fourth game of the season at Knoxville on Friday night. As it stands, however, that’s not the case. The Trojans, instead, are 1-2 after two-straight heartbreaking losses.

After a 41-20 win against rival Mt. Pleasant, the Trojans have now lost two games that were decided in the final seconds. Ottumwa stormed back to beat Fairfield 22-16 in Week 2, and Fort Madison nipped Fairfield 16-13 in Week 3.

This week they head to Knoxville in hopes of revitalizing the offense, and it might be the right matchup to do it. The Trojans scored a season high 42 points in a win against the Panthers last season.

Knoxville’s defense has given up plenty of points in the first three weeks. The Panthers have given up 39 points per game so far this year.

Fairfield’s Tate Allen has been good through the air so far this season, throwing for 427 yards and nine touchdowns through the first three games. Tight end Max Weaton has caught most of those passes, as the two have hooked up for 15 receptions, 247 yards and six touchdowns.

Fairfield still is reeling from the loss of Hunter Cecchini, who still holds the team lead in rushing yards, despite getting injured in Week 2. Miles McEntee is the leading healthy rusher, with 86 yards. Cecchini’s rushing touchdown in Week 1 is the only score on the ground so far this year for the Trojans.

Knoxville’s Noah Keefer has thrown for 242 yards this year, and while he has yet to throw an interception, the team hasn’t found the end one through the air.

Receiver Koby Higginbotham has four catches for 70 yards for the Panthers. Running back Andon Trout has 74 yards rushing and one touchdown to lead the ground game.

A win on Friday night would put the Trojans at 2-2 heading into district play. It’s the first of two-straight road games for Fairfield, as the Trojans will head to Keokuk next week.