Trojans in must-win game

FAIRFIELD — The playoff picture in Class 3A District 4 is starting to take shape, and while Fairfield and Keokuk are both currently on the outside looking in, both teams are still mathematically alive for a postseason berth.

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The Trojans and Chiefs will play each other on Friday at Fairfield High School, and all hopes will be doused for one of the two squads.

Fairfield comes into Friday night’s contest 2-5 overall, and Keokuk is 3-4, but both teams are right in the mix with 1-2 district records. The Trojans have both Keokuk and Mt. Pleasant at home in the final two weeks, while the Chiefs play Fairfield on the road and Washington in Keokuk.

It’s a Southeast Conference rivalry that has been extremely back-and-forth, with Fairfield and Keokuk splitting the last 18 games in the series 9-9.

The teams couldn’t be any different as far as offensive strategies are concerned. Fairfield has scored 25 rushing touchdowns compared to just six passing touchdowns, while Keokuk has thrown for 23 touchdowns and run for just three.

Fairfield’s Ethan Bisgard has been the top man in both running the ball and catching it. Bisgard has 715 yards and nine touchdowns rushing, while also catching 12 passes for 146 yards and one score. Bisgard also picked two passes off in the Trojans’ last win, over Ft. Madison.

Keouk’s Jadyn Burton has been one of the best passers in the state, throwing for 1,653 yards and 21 scores. Kurt Joy has been fantastic catching the ball, taking 37 receptions for 618 yards and seven scores.

Keokuk’s Mason Claus has been a difference maker on defense, leading the team with 52.5 tackles. The Chiefs’ defense has picked off seven passes and recovered four fumbles.

Fairfield and Keokuk are scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m., but storms are set to come through the area.