The Fairfield Trojans’ season came to a heartbreaking end on Friday, with a 25-22 loss to rival Mount Pleasant after the Panthers rallied from a 22-6 halftime deficit.
First Half Dominance
Fairfield came out firing, starting the game at the 50-yard line after Chase Countryman recovered an onside kick. Zandrik Allison scored on a three-yard touchdown run and converted the two-point attempt to give the Trojans an 8-0 lead in the first quarter.
Mount Pleasant answered in the second quarter to make it 8-6, but Allison struck again with another three-yard touchdown run. This time Ethan Bisgard converted the two-point conversion to extend Fairfield’s lead to 16-6.
With 1:25 remaining in the half, the Trojans scored on the first play of their drive when Bisgard broke free for a 64-yard touchdown run, though the two-point conversion failed. Brady Wigle then intercepted Mount Pleasant on their ensuing possession, and Fairfield took a commanding 22-6 lead into halftime.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically when quarterback Voss Richardson suffered an injury just before halftime and did not return for the second half.
Second Half Struggle
The Trojans’ defense kept them in the game early in the third quarter. Tucker Robertson recovered a fumble forced by Allison in the end zone for a touchback at the one-yard line, giving freshman quarterback Owen Adam a chance to capitalize on the turnover. But Mount Pleasant gradually clawed back, scoring to cut the deficit to 22-12 by the end of the third quarter.
The Panthers added another touchdown in the fourth quarter to make it 22-18. Fairfield’s defense then produced a crucial goal-line stand, stopping Mount Pleasant when they had first-and-goal from the five-yard line. However, the Panthers regained possession and scored the go-ahead touchdown to take a 25-22 lead, which would stand as the final score.
Statistical Leaders
Bisgard led Fairfield’s ground attack with 15 carries for 135 yards and a touchdown, while also hauling in 27 receiving yards. Allison contributed 33 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Defensively, Robertson paced the Trojans with seven total tackles and a fumble recovery, while Bisgard added six tackles. Allison forced a fumble and Wigle recorded an interception. Both Bisgard and Allison successfully converted two-point attempts.
Coach’s Perspective
Head Coach Matt Jones reflected on the challenging finish.
“It was another tremendous high school football game. Our boys gave it everything they had and worked hard to overcome adversity and came up just short. Their attitude and effort was exceptional,” Jones said. “I went to visit Voss at JCHC after the game and he was released that evening, so that was great news. His injury obviously had an impact on the game. We were humming along with a 22-6 lead at half and I am so proud of Owen, the way he stepped in there as a freshman and worked hard to lead us. The guys around him worked hard to step up as well, we just came up short.”
Jones praised his defense’s performance in the season finale.
“The defense played absolutely tremendously. By far their best game of the year. As well as they were playing, we totally trusted them and put the game in their hands. Brady had an interception, Zandrik had a strip at the one and Tucker recovering that fumble for a touchback, stopping them on fourth down a couple times, and the goal-line stand with Tucker’s tackle-for-loss in the fourth quarter—all amazing plays made to give us a chance to win. I’m so proud of their resolve.”
The coach acknowledged the six seniors—Nolan Smith, Angel Quimby, Axl Starr, Spencer McCready, Christian Rasmussen, and Calvin McLain—who played their final game as Trojans.
“Seniors were one half from beating their rival and earning a playoff bid. That is something to remember, and to be proud of, for sure. The senior class is a tight group and I just know all of our kids were playing hard for them.”
The loss drops Fairfield to 3-6 on the season, ending their playoff hopes but capping a year of significant improvement and historic offensive performances.
You can rewatch the action versus Mount Pleasant here: Fairfield Football vs Mount Pleasant: October 24, 2025
