It was a powerful and emotional night in Washington on Friday, October 3rd, as the Fairfield Trojans faced the Demons during Washington’s Homecoming game — a night that carried far more weight than football. Just a week after tragedy struck the Washington program, both teams came together to honor, compete, and heal through the game.
According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 17-year-old Carson Ryan of Washington passed away on Saturday, September 27th, from injuries sustained while hunting near rural Brighton. The heartbreaking news deeply affected the Washington community and much of Southeast Iowa. Ryan was well-known as both a talented athlete and a dedicated student, earning a place on the All-Academic basketball team, running cross-country, and helping the track team qualify for the state 4×800 relay. Most recently, he was a key member of the Demons’ varsity football team and had just been named to Washington’s Homecoming Court — and was crowned Homecoming king the night before the game.
“I thought it was a really good high school football game,” said Fairfield head coach Matt Jones. “The tragedy on the Washington side really puts everything in perspective. I give them a ton of credit for playing and playing so hard for Carson. I give our boys a ton of credit for staying focused through the week as a lot of them were hurting for Washington. I was happy for our boys as they signed a football for Washington and each of our players also wrote a handwritten note of sympathy to the Washington football team. This is so much more than football as it is a life lesson to care for each other, even our rivals. The prayer at the end with all of us coming together is a moment I hope I never forget.”
Fairfield played with heart from the start. After Washington jumped ahead early, the Trojans struck back in the first quarter with a six-yard touchdown run from Brady Wigle, cutting the deficit to 6–8. The team kept fighting, and early in the second quarter, Tucker Robertson sprinted 38 yards to the end zone. Zandrik Allison followed with a successful two-point run, making it 14–15.
Moments later, Ethan Bisgard intercepted a Washington pass deep in Trojan territory, giving Fairfield a spark. That turnover quickly turned into points — Allison ripped off a 39-yard run, and Bisgard followed with a 50-yard touchdown burst. Quarterback Voss Richardson connected with Robertson for the two-point conversion to put Fairfield ahead 22–15.
The Trojans entered halftime tied 22–22 after falling short in the red zone on their final drive of the half. Fairfield came out strong in the third quarter with a 55-yard kickoff return from Bisgard to the Washington 35-yard line, but couldn’t convert the field position into points and later fell behind 29–22.
Early in the fourth quarter, Jackson Hollander made a key interception, swinging momentum back to Fairfield. Moments later, Bisgard exploded for a 62-yard touchdown run, then powered through on the two-point conversion to reclaim the lead at 30–29. But late turnovers turned the tide — two fourth-quarter interceptions allowed Washington to rally and secure a 42–30 victory.
Jones said the game was filled with offensive fireworks on both sides. “As for the football game, it was a phenomenal game. Lots of offense and back and forth scoring,” he said.
Statistically, Richardson finished 4-of-11 for 69 yards, while Bisgard led the way with seven carries for 122 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught two passes for 40 yards, had an interception on defense, and returned a kickoff 55 yards to set up a key drive. Allison added 13 carries for 118 yards and a two-point conversion.
Jones noted that having both Bisgard and Allison cross 100 yards rushing was a mark of pride for the entire team. “Also to have two backs over a hundred yards is special,” Jones said. “Ethan and Zandrik both ran for over 100 yards. That is something the whole team can be proud of.”
Jones highlighted the effort from his leaders and the younger players stepping up in key spots. “I was super proud of Tucker Robertson as he played tight end with limited time at practice,” Jones said. “He’s been playing in the backfield all year and we’ve had injuries at tight end and we’ve had to move some kids around and he did it very, very well. Not only did he play tight end during the game but he also played in the backfield and ran a heck of a touchdown run.”
Robertson finished with two carries for 43 yards and a touchdown, one 23-yard reception, and 9.5 total tackles, including two tackles for loss.
Jones also praised the defense for stepping up in tough moments. “I was proud of our defense for getting two interceptions… one by Ethan and one by Jackson. That was huge,” he said. Hollander and Bisgard each recorded key picks in the contest, while Wigle added 4.5 total tackles.
The coach also gave special recognition to a freshman who rose to the challenge. “Owen Adam as a freshman stepping in there as an inside linebacker was absolutely phenomenal,” Jones said. “Washington had a big line and an extremely talented back but Owen did not back down. He has such a bright future.”
Jones said that despite the small roster and warm conditions, his team’s resilience stood out the most. “It was unseasonably warm, especially at the beginning but I don’t think that had an impact on the game,” he said. “It may have a very slight impact because we have very limited kids. When you think about us having multiple starters out and only having about 15 kids able to play, it’s absolutely phenomenal what our boys were able to do.”
Though the Trojans fell short on the scoreboard, Coach Jones said the night’s lessons and emotions will last far beyond the game. It was about competition, compassion, and community — a reminder that some games mean much more than the final score.
