Fairmont gears for home opener versus Austin
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FAIRMONT - Fairmont football has yet to play a home contest. After starting the 2026 season with a win over Worthington followed by losses to New Ulm and Waseca, the Cardinals will finally play in front of their home crowd this Friday.
"100%," Cardinals head coach Mat Mahoney said when asked if playing at home can help bring extra energy. "Having the first three games be on the road, I thought it was fine. We will accept whatever the district decides. But it has worn on us more than I thought it would. Our guys are ecstatic to play back on Mahoney Field in front of our fans."
The confines of Mahoney Field have seen great Fairmont success over the years. In the past five seasons, the Cardinals boast an impressive 24-2 record, with their only losses being to Marshall and Waseca in 2024 and 2025.
Playing in front of its crowd gives Fairmont an extra edge. Mahoney hopes the built-up excitement for this season's home opener can lead to a victory over the Austin Packers and get the team back to .500.
"I thought we really faded last year because we had to play four of our last five [games] on the road," Mahoney said. "Now, it's the opposite. Now, we get to finish the season here at Mahoney Field, which is a great feeling."
"I've always done this before, but you can separate the season into different factors," he continued. "You take away the first three games being on the road; now we're down to a five-game schedule, and four of the five are at home. This is where we are at."
Mahoney still thinks this year's team is searching for their identity. The number of faces stepping into bigger varsity roles has made the transition from last season difficult. Both sides of the ball are still figuring out which 11 guys to play.
One unit that seems to be close to completion is the defense. Last week's contest at Waseca showed their true colors against an aggressive rushing attack. Fairmont held the Bluejays to seven points in the first half.
If it wasn't for three drives starting in Cardinals territory, Waseca's 28-point total could have been even lower. It was the best Mahoney has seen his defense play this season.
"It started with our defensive ends. They played hard, they played physical, and they gave us a chance," Mahoney said. "I think our linebackers are getting better. They are growing, and our defensive backs are really good. When you see a team that's going to just pound, pound, pound [the football], you have to withstand that. And I thought our guys did a good job of competing."
Offensively, the Cardinals are still searching for a rhythm. Scoring 34 points in the Week One victory over the Trojans showed signs of promise. However, consecutive shutout performances leave questions on the table. What is this group’s bread and butter? Mahoney thinks it starts with the run game.
"At the end of the day, you have to find out what you can hang your hat on," Mahoney said. "For forever, we've always been able to run power. So we just need to get back to being able to run the football."
The ability to run the football could also continue easing first-year quarterback Jensen Livesay. Any sort of strong rushing attack takes pressure off Livesay as a passer. It sets up easy throws in the play-action game that gives the whole unit a bit of confidence.
"That's where we are going to start. Running the football," Mahoney said. "But we're also going to sprinkle in the passing with it. We still have three really good receivers who we believe in."
Mahoney stated that after last week's loss, he was excited to practice the following Monday. Another opportunity to continue developing the team. So far this week, the players have shown that same drive.
"We're 1-2 and haven't played well, but our guys have just been hungry," Mahoney said. "They're hungry to win and excited to go to practice and get better. There is a sense of urgency that they want to get better. For being 1-2 and not in this position very much, I'm just impressed with how these guys have that hunger."