Fairfield prepares for huge district game against Centerville Big Reds

The Trojans received good news this week.

Running back Nick Jackson, who is still leading the team in rushing despite missing the last two games with a shoulder separation, will be back in pads for Fairfield on Friday. The injury is not as severe as it was initially diagnosed, and Jackson feels well enough to play. He injured his shoulder on Sept. 27 at Williamsburg. The coaching staff says Jackson won?t start, but he?ll come off the bench in relief of current running back Alex Christensen.

The Trojans will need Jackson so they can control the clock with the running game. Centerville, Fairfield?s upcoming opponent, will most likely throw the ball at least 25 times on offense. Michael Starcevich, Centerville?s senior quarterback, has already thrown for 1,661 yards, 13 touchdowns and just two interceptions. His main target is senior wide receiver Kolton Gonnerman, who is second in the state in receiving yards with 869.

?We expect him to throw it 35-40 times,? Fairfield head coach Mike Schenck said.

Keeping this duo off the field will be a priority for the Fairfield offense. Freshman quarterback Cameron Baumann will have this duty. Schenck believes Baumann is up for the challenge.

?He has a good head on his shoulders,? Schenck said. ?One thing he showed [against Fort Madison] is that he can play under pressure. I think he?ll be fine.?

This game could not have larger implications for both teams. A win puts Centerville into the playoffs. If the Big Reds were to lose to the Trojans, then their game against Washington next week may have an added significance.

A win for Fairfield would go a long way. An even 3-3 district record could be enough to beat out Keokuk, who will play Fort Madison and Mount Pleasant over the next two weeks. The Trojans are also looking to avenge last season?s 26-23 loss at Centerville.

District Look

Fairfield needs a win to stay ahead of Keokuk in the district standings. If Keokuk were to win and the Trojans lost, the two teams would be tied at 2-3 in district play. A Trojan victory would put them at 4-4 overall and 3-3 in the district, which would most likely send Fairfield to the playoffs. Washington and Williamsburg both have winnable games.

Team, Overall Record, District Record

Washington 6-1 4-0

Williamsburg 5-2 4-1

Centerville 4-3 3-1

Fairfield 3-4 2-3

Ft. Madison 2-5 1-3

Keokuk 2-5 1-3

Mt. Pleasant 0-7 0-4

Class 3A District 7 Games (10/18)

Centerville @ Fairfield

Fort Madison @ Washington

Mount Pleasant @ Keokuk

Vinton-Shellsburg @ Williamsburg

Fairfield Projected Starters

Offense

Pos. Name Class

QB Cameron Baumann Fr

RB Alex Christensen Jr

WR Alex Shier Sr

WR Alex Crile So

WR Jonathan Hoehne Sr

TE Vince Horras Sr

LT Brett Scott Sr

LG Mason Ellis Sr

C Cody Craff Sr

RG Dillon Carlson Jr

RT Austin Gridley Sr

Defense

Pos. Name Class

DE Vince Horras Sr

DT Micah Harris Sr

DT Brett Scott Sr

DE Justin Leonard Sr

OLB Narendra Martin Jr

ILB Riley Hammel Sr

ILB Mason Ellis Sr

OLB Dakota Nye Jr

CB Jordan Whitney Sr

CB Jonathan Hoehne Sr

SS Zane Richmond Jr