‘Have to stay grounded’
Cardinals seek to build off Austin win
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FAIRMONT - There was a newfound level of energy in the Fairmont High School football home locker room last Friday night. Head coach Mat Mahoney saw the team's positive reaction after their dominating 46-0 win over Austin.
"There was excitement," Mahoney said. "We have a tradition of singing a song [after a win]. That's been a 20-year song. I walk in, and there are three of them on top of the red desk we have, singing, dancing, and hooting. And that's what it's supposed to be."
The Cardinals had many reasons to celebrate. Fairmont didn't just dominate the Packers offensively, defensively, and on special teams; the victory also snapped its previous two-game losing streak to New Ulm and Waseca.
But the win has to be short-lived. Mahoney gave his team roughly 12 hours to celebrate. Now, the Cardinals need to continue focusing on this season's mission statement: play its best brand of football when it matters most.
October is just getting started. Fairmont has four weeks left until section play starts. Reaching their full potential will require a growth and developmental mindset during practice reps, something Mahoney has continually stressed since the season started.
"Austin was down a little bit, but we came and did what we needed to do. We executed in all three phases," Mahoney said. "But at the same time, we have to stay grounded and continue to get better right now. It doesn't matter who our opponent is. ...Right now, we just need to stay focused on Fairmont and to get better. And these guys are really dialed in."
Fairmont's next step in the season takes place this Friday against Albert Lea. Kickoff at Mahoney Field will take place at 7:00 p.m. The Cardinals close the regular season playing three of its last four games at home.
A pair and a spare
Fairmont emphasized getting back to its roots last Friday night. Nothing flashy. Nothing out of pocket. But simply establishing the run game. For an offense that struggled to find consistency in its first three contests, an identity to hang on was essential.
The Austin game was hopefully a step in the right direction. The Cardinals finished with 229 yards on 40 carries. It was impressive to see nearly 6 yards per touch.
"I think we just got back to the basics with the blocking and the traditional plays we have run over the years," Mahoney said. "At the end of the day, we got back to what we have been really good at. We said we are going to emphasize that and try to keep it a little more simple."
There wasn't just one running back that got the bulk of the production. It was three. Ryder Thate finished with a team-high 104 yards while Mason Bicknase and Keyon Schutz notched 42 and 30, respectively. Each played a part with their three touchdowns and a handful of big plays.
Mahoney referred to former Minnesota Gophers football coach Glen Mason when asked about the running back depth. A diverse trio, with each individual brining its own element.
"A pair and a spare," Mahoney said. "Glen Mason used to always talk when he was at the Gophers and had Marion Barber III, Laurence Maroney and Gary Russell. Having a pair and a spare is huge. ...We have three different running backs with three different running styles. It's a unique group."
Livesay settling in
In terms of overall production, Fairmont quarterback Jensen Livesay had his best showing during Week One's victory over Worthington, tossing for nearly 200 yards and a pair of touchdowns to Brayden Williamson and Owen Terfehr.
While not reaching those totals against the Packers, Mahoney says he saw the first-year play caller play his most efficient game yet. Livesay finished with just four incompletions to charge his 111 yards, throwing his third touchdown pass of the season to Williamson, this time on a deep slant over the middle.
Taking another step forward versus Austin is a great sign. Mahoney says Livesay continues to look more and more comfortable with each rep, whether in practice or game scenarios. The continued evolution in the run game will take pressure off Livesay and help him solely focus on leading this offense through his skills.
"Now I think things are slowing down. Now, we are molding it and figuring out where his throws are really good at, and what he can and cannot do," Mahoney said. "You can just see, even out in practice, he just keeps getting better, and better, and better. ...He just keeps rolling, and that's the true definition of a good leader."
Defense continuing to shine
Final scores against the Eagles and Bluejays truely didn't show how well Fairmont's defense has been playing this season. Despite giving up 30 and 28 points, much of that was overblown due to short field positions and special teams mishaps. In reality, the defense gave up only a couple of long, withstanding drives.
"The guys are playing hard and physical," Mahoney said. "We haven't had very many missed tackles and creating some turnovers. They are just getting after it."
The performance over Austin was Fairmont's second shutout of the season after previously stumping Worthington. They held the Packers to under 60 yards in the passing and rushing departments. Dominance in both aspects.
What's impressed Mahoney the most has been this units versatility. They are capable of mixing and matching looks based on opponents strengths. That adaption can be a tool that guides this defense to a group Fairmont can lean on once more.
"What's really cool about our defense is that we've played a 3-4, 4-2-5, 4-3, 4-4, 5-2, etc. ...We've played eight different looks based on if its a three, four, five or six man front," Mahoney said. "Just to be able to adapt and do the things we can do is hard on offensive coordinators. Because you don't know what's coming in."