Above: Fairmont’s Hadan Toomer prepares to tackle an Albert Lea ball carrier during a Southern District football game on Sept. 14 in Fairmont.
FAIRMONT – The Fairmont Cardinals (6-2) are preparing for Saturday’s game against the Luverne Cardinals (7-2) at Mahoney Field.
Fairmont aims to advance to the sectional tournament after shutting out Luverne in last season’s matchup and earning a first-round bye in the Section 3AAA tournament. “Take it to the bank.”
“They’re going to come after us with the running game.” Fairmont football head coach Matt Mahoney said. “So we’ve got to be able to win at the line of scrimmage and we can’t afford to make mistakes this time of year. The turnovers are going to be big this time of year and once we get the turnovers we’ll make the most of it. That’s probably the biggest thing because you have to.”
Fairmont plans to continue the run-based offense with the tandem of Hank Ertz and Elijah Johnson, which has been successful for most of the season despite occasional hiccups. Even if the run game is stifled, Faymont has strong talent under center in quarterback Joe Long, who has improved greatly this season despite battling several injuries. With Nolan Schulze, Brett Williams and Tavian Harvey all being threats at the wide receiver position, there is no shortage of formations and plays that Fairmont can throw against Luverne.
“We’re going to do what they give us.” Mahaney said. “If they want to load the box, we’re going to go outside. And if they don’t load the box, we’re going to shoot inside with (Elijah Johnson).”
The last time these teams met in the playoffs last season, Fairmont had a run-pass combination that led to Levi Pulley gaining 97 yards and a touchdown on two catches, and quarterback Blaze Geiger scoring. They won 32-0. He went 9-for-13 for 125 yards through the air with two rushing touchdowns and two passes.
Despite having a new quarterback under center and losing a few players to graduation, the team has been able to maintain a solid offense, with a defense that is as good as the run attack and aerial attack of every team it has faced thus far. We have made adjustments to address both. So far, Fairmont is not afraid of what they will face heading into the matchup.
Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. at Mahoney Field.
