The Fairfield Trojans football team gathered to celebrate a season defined by selflessness, toughness, and historic offensive production at their annual awards banquet, with Head Coach Matt Jones praising a group that embodied “we above me.”
The Trojans finished with a 3-6 record, but the numbers and context tell a more complete story of a team that was competitive against some of the state’s best programs.
A Team-First Mentality
Jones opened his remarks by highlighting the character of his squad, emphasizing their willingness to put the team first.
“Awesome group of guys to work with. Many are willing to do whatever it takes for their team and teammates. Play a different position for a game or for a year,” Jones said. “Tough, hard fighting group. Cared about each other. Totally believed in we above me. Accepted coaching.”
The coach contrasted his team’s approach with more self-centered attitudes he’s witnessed elsewhere.
“Team guys – not whiny individual guys who only cared about themselves,” Jones said, noting that the tough locker room moments after losses reflected how much the players invested in each other. “When you care and invest, it’s hard to see something not go your way or to have something.”
Competitive Against the Best
While the 3-6 record might not jump off the page, Jones provided important context about the strength of their schedule and how close they came to playoff contention.
“Out of our six losses, five were to playoff teams,” Jones explained. “We were in almost every way a playoff team. If we could have held on versus Mount Pleasant and won we would have knocked them out of the playoffs and taken number two in the district.”
Jones noted that opposing coaches acknowledged Fairfield’s unique offensive approach created problems.
“Many coaches said they were fortunate to have beaten us, as their defense didn’t know where the ball was,” he said. “It’s quite a thrill to watch the trap pop, or a fake take multiple players away from the ball.”
The coach emphasized how narrow the margins were in their losses.
“Versus competitive teams we were a play or two in each from coming out on the winning side,” Jones said. “Don’t know which plays those are going to be, which is why we must prepare and play as hard as we can – no do-overs in football, no do-overs in life.”
Historic Offensive Production
The Trojans’ rushing attack dominated Class 3A statistics and led their district in multiple categories:
- Led the district in rushing with 2,655 yards in the regular season
- Led the district with 32 rushing touchdowns
- Led Class 3A in rush yards and yards per carry
- Team averaged 7.4 yards per carry on 357 rushing attempts
Junior Ethan Bisgard emerged as one of the state’s most explosive players, leading in yards per carry and all-purpose yards with an incredible 11.5 yards per carry average.
Jones credited the offensive line and skill players’ unselfish approach for the rushing success.
“As a ball carrier, we need great fakes and blocking to the whistle by our line, ends, and our fellow backs,” Jones said, highlighting two key aspects of unselfish football: “Carry out a fake so well you pull defenders to you and even get tackled when you don’t have the ball, and you block for a teammate to the whistle.”
All-District Honors
First Team All-District
- Ethan Bisgard – Running Back
- Voss Richardson – Utility
- Zandrik Allison – Running Back
- Nolan Smith – Offensive Line
Second Team All-District
- Christian Rasmussen – Offensive Line
- Axl Starr – Utility
- Blake Burnett – Linebacker
- Calvin McLain – Defensive Line
Honorable Mention
- Brady Wigle
- Hank Konczal
- Chase Countryman
- Jackson Hollander
- Tucker Robertson
Jones also recognized numerous players for academic all-district honors, requiring junior or senior status with a GPA of 3.25 or higher. These players include: Voss Richardson, Ethan Bisgard, Nolan Smith, Zandrik Allison, Angel Quimby, Spencer McCready, Blake Burnett, Axl Starr, Christian Rasmussen, and Jackson Hollander.
Team Awards
Duke Bisbey Senior Leadership Award
Spencer McCready received the award named for the father of former starting linebacker Jim Bisbey and avid Trojan football supporter.
Jones praised McCready’s impact despite playing in only 3.5 games due to injury.
“Student, athlete, gentleman. Explosive and quick. Coachable, communicator,” Jones said. “When he went out he was averaging just over 13 yards per carry, and was a great communicator on defense. Even while he was injured, he was at practice, in the huddle, helping, communicating, and being a dude of a teammate.”
Mark Campbell Offensive Lineman Award
In a rare tie in voting, both Nolan Smith and Axl Starr shared the award named for the 1989 Fairfield graduate and all-state lineman.
Brad Wickliff Memorial Attitude Award
Brady Wigle earned the honor named for the outstanding football and baseball player whose jersey (#55) is retired after he was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident between his junior and senior years.
Team MVP
Ethan Bisgard captured the program’s top honor after a remarkable season that saw him lead the team in tackles, rushing, and scoring.
“Student, athlete, and gentleman. Led us in tackles, rushing, scoring,” Jones said. “Better than that, he’s a tremendous student and person.”
Senior Tributes
Jones took time to honor each senior’s contributions:
Nolan Smith – “Started every game – very reliable on the line. Lifted hard in prep for the season, and it paid off!”
Christian Rasmussen – “Started every game – was consistent and a guy we could count on. Sturdy kid who was quick as well!”
Calvin McLain – “Relentless competitor, got after it on both sides of the ball. Loved playing football, the competitive game was a match for his tough, competitive mindset.”
Axl Starr – “I want to buy a one way ticket to Axl City! Axl did whatever was asked of him – played guard, tackle and tight end on offense. Not easy. Had multiple numbers. He led by example and wasn’t afraid to lead through words as well.”
Angel Quimby – “Angel was our number one attender of summer athletic performance in our senior class. He was always ready to go, and improved so much in his time with us.”
Individual Statistical Highlights
Ethan Bisgard
- Rushing: 94 attempts for 1,082 yards (6th in Class 3A); 11.5 yards per carry (1st in Class 3A), 13 touchdowns
- Receiving: 14 receptions for 202 yards
- Returns: 288 yards
- All-purpose yards: 1,576 (1st in Class 3A)
- Led state in 2-point conversions
- Defense: 64 tackles (team-high), 4 tackles for loss
Voss Richardson
- Passing: 25-55 for 383 yards, 7 touchdowns, 4 interceptions (45.5% completion)
- Rushing: 55 carries for 302 yards, 2 touchdowns
- Defense: 1 forced fumble, 1 98-yard interception return for touchdown
Zandrik Allison
- Rushing: 119 attempts for 747 yards (3rd in district), 6.3 yards per carry, 10 touchdowns
- Receiving: 5 catches for 77 yards, 3 touchdowns
- Defense: 36.5 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack
Tucker Robertson
- 53 tackles, 2 tackles for loss
- Contributed at tight end and running back
Blake Burnett
- 22.5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack
Calvin McLain
- 26.5 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss
Jones also recognized the offensive line’s collective contribution: Nolan Smith, Christian Rasmussen, Axl Starr, Calvin McLain, and Hank Konczal blocked for the state’s leading rushing attack in Class 3A.
Letterwinners Recognition
Freshmen: Owen Adam, Jasper Carpenter
Sophomores: Corbin Starr, Chase Countryman, Tucker Robertson, Aiden Mizelle, Hank Konczal, Kaiden Hughell, Brady Wigle
Juniors: Zandrik Allison, Voss Richardson, Ethan Bisgard, Blake Burnett, Jackson Hollander, Kayden Hazelwood, Benji Hunter, Alex Hudson
Seniors: Nolan Smith, Spencer McCready, Calvin McLain, Axl Starr, Christian Rasmussen, Angel Quimby
The banquet celebrated a season that, while not resulting in a playoff berth, demonstrated the values and competitiveness that position Fairfield football for future success. With a strong junior class returning and a culture of selflessness established, the Trojans have built a foundation for the program’s next chapter.
