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Tyler Smith (#23) gets loose in the backfield for Fairfield. Smith returns to the field after missing the 2019 campaign. Photo by Thomas Leffler -
Jacorey Daniels (#1) lines up in man coverage against a Gatesville wideout in last Thursday’s scrimmage. Photo by Thomas Leffler -
Jaylyn Daniels (#4) takes off down the sideline in the Eagles’ 2020 scrimmage matchup with Gatesville. Photo by Thomas Leffler -
Hunter Noland (#7) checks in with the referee before the wideout takes off. Photo by Thomas Leffler
With the 2020 season finally getting underway, the Fairfield Eagles will find themselves faced up with a familiar non-district opponent Friday night.
Eagle Stadium will play host to a true battle of the nest, as Fairfield welcomes the Rusk Eagles at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Fairfield also began its 2019 campaign with Rusk, taking its ground game on the road to the tune of 407 yards en route to a 47-34 victory.
Due to Rusk’s passing ability, the 2020 contest may be another shootout, or a potential grinder.
“They threw the ball 70 percent of their plays, so this could be a four-hour game,” said Eagles coach John Bachtel of the matchup.
The other Eagles’ unit and its proclivity for passing will be a tremendous first test for the Fairfield defensive back stable, including returning senior Tyler Smith.
Smith, who missed out on the 2019 football season, looks to be a major factor as both a running back and defensive back.
“He can take it to the house at any time on offense, he covers their best guy [on defense] and he’ll have his hands full against Rusk,” said Bachtel. “Rusk has some fast guys.”
While Rusk presents a pass attack, the Fairfield unit won’t be shy to combat with their own air raid. The team will be adding in some new pass wrinkles to the offense as a way to get production out of a wider variety of offensive players.
“If they give us a pass, if they bring too many guys in the box, we’re gonna throw it,” said Bachtel. “That’s exciting. Adds a wrinkle, receivers get involved, it’s pretty good stuff.”
As for stifling the Rusk offense, the Fairfield squad brings back a bevy of heavy hitters, including senior linebacker Luke Latham.
“We’re putting a whole lotta pressure on people. What we gotta do is make sure we’re in the right places, being very physical while we do it, and really just doing our job,” said Bachtel.