Playoff Recap - Cardinals 14, Titans 21

TCU fends off late Long-led FHS comeback in 3AAA clash

By Charlie Sorrells
Prep Sports Writer

MONTGOMERY – The backyard scenario of youth – the underdog Cardinals trailing the Titans by 7 points, facing one last 80-yard march to a heroic touchdown, and no timeouts with less than 2 minutes to go.
Fairmont quarterback Joe Long zipped a clutch 26-yard pass to Phoenix-esque receiver Tavian Harvey to convert a fourth-and-12 at their own 44, Harvey displayed his stellar vertical leap to snare a 14-yarder from Long to convert a fourth-and-14 at Tri-City United’s 42, a 10-yard Long-to-Merritt Pomerenke connection and Long’s narrow-window 28-yard fling to Brayden Williamson to the Titans’ 4. A fourth and final quarterback spike to barely freeze the time at 3 seconds remaining.
Unfortunately for No. 5 seed Fairmont, No. 4 seed TCU received its own storybook ending as linebacker Toren Kelly’s perfectly-angled defensive run to the pylon denied Long’s near-heroic sprint-and-stretch scramble just mere inches short of the goal line as time elapsed.
Kelly’s game-saving stop, combined with both an offensive and defensive touchdown by Parker O’Malley, held off Long and the Cardinals’ incredible cardiac comeback, 21-14, in Tuesday night’s unforgettable Section 3AAA quarterfinal football clash in Montgomery.
TCU (4-5) advances to face No. 1 seed and unbeaten Waseca (8-0) in a 2 PM sectional semifinal Saturday in Waseca. The Bluejays earned a first-round postseason bye.
“We may have lost tonight’s game, but it was NOT for a lack of effort. Our guys played their hearts out and I’m so proud of them,” said Fairmont mentor Mat Mahoney, whose team ended the season with a 4-5 overall record. “Life is filled with opportunities – they (TCU) just made the most out of one more than we did in the end.”
O’Malley did exactly that to account for the playoff opener’s only TD of a defensive-oriented first half with 5:59 remaining before intermission. After Fairmont defensive stalwarts Owen Terfehr, Nolan Anderson, Ty Tumbleson, Tyler Bicknase, Mathew Martin and Reed Johnson combined to prevent TCU from breaking the plane of the goal line on four consecutive “and-goal” opportunites from the 1-yard line to regain possession, the Titans delivered a defensive gem of their own.
“I don’t know who exactly knocked the football loose, but I saw it come out of the pile and just grabbed it in the end zone for the touchdown,” O’Malley said in reference to his 6-point fumble recovery with 5:59 left in the second quarter. Titus Krauss kicked the PAT for a 7-0 TCU lead.
Unfortunately for Fairmont, its opening third-quarter possession went awry as the visitors were forced to punt after a three-and-out series and an errant long snap to the kicker allowed TCU to set up its offense at the 50.
Facing a fourth-and-4 at the Cardinals’ 34, Titans’ head coach Matt Collins opted to go for the key first down. Quarterback Kellen Jirik rolled left and lofted a pass to O’Malley along the home team’s sideline. The Cardinal defender slipped on a soggy grass-turned-mud patch as O’Malley caught Jirik’s pass and sprinted the 34-yard distance for his second TD of the playoff game. Krauss’ kick made it 14-0 with 6:02 left in the third segment.
“Down by 14, we needed a huge play and Joe Long really stepped up for us during the next series,” said Mahoney.
After Long hit Tavian Harvey for one of his game-leading nine receptions for 12 of his game-best 130 yards, Fairmont’s senior quarterback motored around left end, broke two tackles and left nothing but a vapor trail en route to a pivotal 59-yard TD run. Long then fired a 2-point conversion pass to Nolan Anderson to trim the Cardinals’ gap to 14-8 with 4:49 left in the third quarter.
Running back Keegan O’Meara answered for TCU during the next possession by generating 54 of his game-best 81 rushing yards on four carries to ignite the Titans’ nine-play, 84-yard scoring drive. O’Meara’s 29-yard slashing sweep run and tip-toe balance to just slip inside the pylon for the TD extended the Titans’ lead to 21-8 with 11:49 remaining in regulation.
The two defenses kept the game scoreless until Williamson’s 17-yard punt return put Fairmont in business at the Titans’ 47 with less than 4 minutes remaining. Long and Tavian Harvey worked their magic through the air by connecting for a 10-yarder, 25-yarder and finally, a 12-yarder for a TD with 3:16 remaining. The 2-point conversion pass failed to keep the score at 21-14 and eventually led to the Cardinals’ near-heroic downfield march against all odds.
Long threw for a game-best 157 yards and one TD, while topping Fairmont’s rushing charts with 65 more yards and a score.
Mathew Martin recovered a fumble for Fairmont, while O’Meara and O’Malley did likewise for TCU.

FHS 0 0 8 6 – 14
TCU 0 7 7 7 – 21

SCORING PLAYS
1st Quarter
No Scoring.

2nd Quarter
TCU: Parker O’Malley fumble recovery in end zone (Titus Krauss kick), 5:59.

3rd Quarter
TCU: Parker O’Malley 34 pass from Kellen Jirik (Titus Krauss kick), 6:02.
FHS: Joe Long 59 run (Nolan Anderson pass from Joe Long), 4:49.

4th Quarter
TCU: Keegan O’Meara 29 run (Titus Krauss kick), 11:49.
FHS: Tavian Harvey 12 pass from Joe Long (pass failed), 3:16.

TEAM STATISTICS
First Downs: Fairmont 10; TCU 8. Rushing: TCU 44-138; Fairmont 23-87. Passing: Fairmont 13-35-0-157; TCU 2-3-0-38. Fumbles-lost: Fairmont 4-2; TCU 3-1. Penalties: Fairmont 8-75; TCU 2-30.

INDIVIDUAL STATS
Offense: Rushing: Joe Long (FHS) 13-65; Keegan O’Meara (TCU) 9-81. Passing: Joe Long (FHS) 13-34-0-157; Kellen Jirik (TCU) 2-3-0-38. Receiving: Tavian Harvey (FHS) 9-130; Parker O’Malley (TCU) 1-34.
Defense: Fumble recoveries: Mathew Martin (FHS); Parker O’Malley (TCU) and Keegan O’Meara (TCU).

The Fairmont Area Football Team

2025 FAIRMONT CARDINALS FOOTBALL TEAM:

Front Row: Draden Beebe, Gavin Schomberg, Carter Hansen, Adam Denson, Wyatt McGowan, Brayden Pooley, Carl Winnery Ebon, Brayden Williamson, Lucas Kotewa

Second Row: Chase Birr, Allen Szafryk, Jacob Porter, Keyon Schutz, Asst. Coach Jesse Walters, Asst. Coach Brian Wille, Head Coach Mat Mahoney, Asst. Coach Brad Johnson, Asst. Coach Shawn Chambers, Caiden Utesch, Brock Rodning, Landen Traetow, Hogan Artz, Ben Sunken

Third Row: Clay Mitchell, Ryan Szafryk, Mac Anderson, Owen Terfehr, Lucas Johnson, Luther Malo, Jordan Thompson, Aaris White, Kayden Williams, Jacob Ehlert, Merritt Pomerenke, Mason Bicknase, Mason Ingvoldstad, Dayton Draper, Ethan Darnell, Hunter Sommer

Fourth Row: Caine Gronewald, Mathew Martin, Ethan Farnum, Travohn Harvey, Alex Frederikson, Max Nielsen, Benet Mathiason, Joe Long, Tavian Harvey, Dakota Wiley

Fifth Row: Cole Brockmann, Tyler Bicknase, Preston Geerdes, Reed Johnson, DJ Miller, Nolan Anderson, Caiden Wickert, Aaron Becker, Kaiden Bell

(Photo courtesy of Randy Chirpich/Fairmont Sports)

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2025 Football Season Preview

Mahoney putting Fairmont football hopes ‘on the line’

By Charlie Sorrells
Fairmont Football Association Writer

FAIRMONT – Anyone who’s ever attended a Fairmont football practice knows Cardinal head coach Mat Mahoney has a penchant for music from the 1980s and 1990s, as the words and melodies permeate the air on campus.

Entering his 19th year at the Cardinals’ helm, Mahoney’s outlook for the upcoming season can aptly be summarized by a song that’s likely among his play list – Gerry Rafferty’s ‘Right Down the Line.’“We’re blessed with long, tall and strong guys in the trenches on both offense and defense this season,” Mahoney said in reference to 6-foot-4, 250-pound senior co-captain DJ Miller; 6-2, 230-pound senior co-captain Tyler Bicknase; 6-4, 195-pound junior Reed Johnson; 6-4, 200-pound

sophomore Preston Geerdes; and 6-4, 175-pound junior Vincent Schultz.

“While he doesn’t have those five guys’ height, Jake Ehlert truly is the glue that holds our offensive line together from his center position,” Mahoney said in reference to the 6-0, 235-pound snapper and seasoned starter. “I guess you could accurately say we’re putting it all ‘on the line’ this season. “After graduating (record-setting running back) EJ (Elijah Johnson), our approach on offense really hasn’t changed as much as people are thinking as (offensive coordinator) Brian (Wille) will look to do a little bit of everything to keep the opposing defenses guessing.”

Joe Long, a 6-0, 155-pound senior co-captain, returns at quarterback to put Wille’s multi-faceted arsenal in motion after completing 90 of 120 passes for a 75% accuracy clip, 1,245 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024. “We’ve got an experienced quarterback who knows our offense inside and out, reads the other team’s defense and knows who to get the ball to. Joe checks all the boxes for our coaching staff,” Mahoney said in reference to Long.

Tavian Harvey, a 5-11, 140-pound senior, and 5-10, 155-pound senior co-captain Merritt Pomerenke return to catch spirals from Long this fall. Tavian Harvey produced a second-best team total of 27 receptions for 257 yards and one TD, while Pomerenke made 10 catches for 52 yards in limited playing time.

Mahoney will add depth to his receiving core in the form of 6-1, 175-pound junior Owen Terfehr; 6-2, 145-pound junior Travon Harvey; and 5-11, 150-pound senior Jordan Thompson when the Cardinals kick off the 2025 football campaign against Worthington at 7 PM Friday, Aug. 29, at Thomas Mahoney Field in Fairmont.

While Schultz and Geerdes will represent towering targets at tight end, 6-1, 205-pound senior co-captain Cole Brockmann and 6-2, 175-pound senior Ty Tumbleson will combine to handle the handoffs out of the offensive backfield. “Honestly, you don’t replace an EJ (Elijah Johnson) – he was a rare combination of field vision, speed, power and quickness that you only see every 20 years as

a coach,” said Mahoney. “With that said, we’ll figure out a way to split the running duties between a pair of big powerful runners in Cole and Ty. With their abilities behind the blocking of our guys upfront, I think we’ll move the markers again.” Miller and Reed Johnson will handle the offensive tackle spots, while Bicknase will flank Ehlert at one of the guard positions. Luther Malo, a 6-0, 215-pound sophomore, and 5-8, 260-pound senior Ryan Szafryk will both see playing time

at the other guard spot, with 6-1, 360-pound junior Ethan Farnum and 6-0, 190-pound senior Caine Gronewold adding depth at the tackle position.

“Defensive coordinator Brad Johnson will probably go with a 4- or 5-man front based on what the opposing offense gives us, and you’ll see some of the same names in the line on defense that fill out our offensive line,” said Mahoney. “We’ve got three ‘horses’ along our interior line in Tyler Bicknase, DJ Miller and (6-0, 270-pound senior) Mathew Martin who are going to create problems for opposing blockers.” Mahoney also looks for 6-5, 200-pound senior Nolan Anderson, Vincent Schultz, Reed Johnson and Preston Geerdes to rotate at the defensive end positions. “Nolan really turned in a good camp at Augustana this summer, and we’re looking for a break-out type of season from him this fall,” said Mahoney. Tumbleson and Brockmann return to provide stability and solid tackling at

linebacker, with 6-1, 200-pound freshman Aaron Becker figuring into the starting mix. Chase Birr, a 5-10, 175-pound junior, and 5-10, 147-pound Keyon Schutz will be counted on for reliable rotations at linebacker. The Harvey siblings – Tavian and Travon – will combine with 6-0, 155-pound junior Dakota Wiley to handle the cornerback duties, with 5-7, 145-pound junior Brayden Williamson, Landon Traetow, Terfehr, Pomerenke and Thompson figuring into the safety mix in the secondary. Ben Sunken has the inside track on the kickoff duties, Long will kick PATs, while Long and Nolan Anderson have both proven to be solid punters from a special-teams perspective.

“I believe we have the right formula to continue our success, but this year’s players will have to create their own identities,” said Mahoney. “I think we’ve built good depth at most positions during our first two weeks of practice, and I’m blessed to have a great coaching staff back.” Brad Johnson and Brian Wille return as the defensive and offensive coordinators, respectively, and will be joined

along the sideline and in the press box by Shawn Chambers, Tyler Bitting, Garrett Myren, Brent Schultze, Terry Ehlert and Jesse Walters this fall.

SPAGHETTI PARENTS

SPAGHETTI SUPPER SIGN-UP

SPAGHETTI SIGN-UP

Welcome

We would like to invite you to become part of the Cardinal football program in Fairmont by participating on a tackle football team in the fall. 2024 marks the 19th year of tackle football for 4th, 5th, and 6th grade boys. The results have been very positive for the boys involved. They had fun, learned principles of teamwork and sportsmanship, and began developing the fundamental skills of football.

RULES AND GOALS

To Develop Fundamental Football Skills
To Work and Play as a Team, NOT as an Individual
To Have FUN at Practices and Games
To Do Our Best at ALL Times
To Maintain Good Sportsmanship at ALL Times

ELEMENTARY FOOTBALL REGISTRATION & INFORMATION

Registration is Open

FAFBA GOLF OUTING

2025 Information

TOURNAMENT SPONSORSHIP INFO

15th Annual Fairmont Football Golf Fund-raiser Fri., Aug. 8

By Charlie Sorrells Fairmont Football Association Contributor

FAIRMONT – If one’s looking to ‘get their steps in’ while helping the Fairmont Cardinal football program continue to thrive, then break out the golf clubs and head to Interlaken Golf Club in Fairmont on Friday, Aug. 8.

The Fairmont Area Football Association will hold its 15th annual golf fund-raiser, which tees off via a 1 p.m. shotgun start. Golfers registering prior to the Sunday, July 20, deadline will receive a quarter-zip Cardinal pull-over the day of the event. Players can sign up at the association’s website – www.fairmontareafootball.com – and pay the best-ball event’s entry fee by Paypal, Venmo or credit card. Anyone registering prior to the July 20 deadline should list their pull-over size on the entry form.

Proceeds

All proceeds from the annual tournament go toward purchasing concussion-protocol helmets; youth football programs’ gear; varsity practice jerseys; and new scoreboards for both the Fairmont elementary field and the high school’s practice facility. The in-house funds also will help defray costs for improvements to Thomas Mahoney Field – along with expenses for weekly meals and after-game food for the players – and provide funding for scholarships for camps. “The golf outing has evolved into a major fund-raiser in terms of making sure ‘our shelves are stocked,’ so to speak, for each upcoming football season at every level of the program,” said Fairmont head football coach/activities director Mat Mahoney.

Silent Auction

“There are a lot of moving parts to the golf tournament, and without all the important people organizing it, making generous donations in sponsoring the event, and of course, all of the alumni and area supporters playing in the outing, we wouldn’t be able to maintain our program’s tradition of excellence on the field and in the classroom.” The 15th annual golf outing will feature a silent auction, door prizes and hole prizes throughout the 18 holes of play. “Each and every contribution counts more than we realize and all are greatly appreciated,” said Mat Mahoney. “Businesses and/or individuals can be a major sponsor, sponsor a hole or be a green-or-tee sponsor, and also can make monetary or product donations.”

Lunch - Burger Bar

Fairmont Cardinal football fans also can support the program’s fund-raising effort by purchasing a Cardinal Card that features numerous discounts by area businesses on their products andservices. If any football supporter misses the July 20 registration deadline, one can still play by either signing up online or can pay a walk-up fee on the day of the golf outing at noon on August 8. A lunch of cheesy chicken sandwiches, chips, cookie and a drink will be served for lunch at noon that day, with a burger bar featured after the outing. Current Fairmont Cardinal football players will be on the Interlaken Golf Course to assist with any of the event’s contests and the players’ golf bags. The Fairmont Cardinals earned its 13th overall state appearance and seventh under Mat Mahoney’s leadership en route to an overall record of 8-3 last fall.

Fairmont coaching legend Jim Simser passes away

By Charlie Sorrells
Fairmont Football Association Contributor

FAIRMONT – From an early age, we are taught that death is inevitable. What each individual does with one’s unknown allotted time on earth is the key to life.
When I learned of Jim Simser’s passing from Fairmont High School activities director and head football coach Mat Mahoney on Friday afternoon, my heart sank even though I knew the former FHS athletic director and legendary Cardinal football mentor’s time with us was drawing to a close.
While the grief I felt for my own personal loss of the man I simply called “Coach” made a tear roll down my cheek, the one consolation I possessed was having the chance to have known him for more than half of my life in my job as a sports writer.
I remember his firm handshake, genuine smile and gentlemanly demeanor when I first met him when he accepted the inevitable task of replacing one of the Minnesota prep football rank’s greatest coaches of all-time in Thomas Mahoney on the Fairmont sideline in the fall of 1990.
“Sports writer – hmmm. Heard you cover games from the sideline. There is a press box, you know,” said Simser, who raised his eyebrows in jest before grinning. “Earn that position and it’s yours.”
For the next 10 fall seasons, I felt privileged to watch the former New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva coaching great evolve into a legend in Fairmont football lore. His coaching style was unique – reserved and respectful while knowledgeable and confident all at the same time.
Prior to his arrival in Fairmont, he had guided New Richland-Hartland to four state appearances, including the Class ‘C’ championship in 1976 and the Class ‘B’ crown in 1978, and was tabbed the 1978 Minnesota Coach of the Year for his coaching prowess. He also served as the Minnesota Football Coaches Association’s executive secretary for numerous years after accepting the role in 1986.
He added three more state bids to his Hall of Fame coaching resume from 1990-99, engineering the Cardinals’ first-ever appearance in the Class ‘A’ state semifinals at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis in 1992 before reaching the quarterfinals in back-to-back style in 1996 and 1997. He also led Fairmont to five South Central Conference championships during his 10-year tenure.
While he closed out his esteemed 32-year high school football coaching career with a 223-91-1 record to earn his rightful places in the Minnesota Football Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Fairmont Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015, he took great solace in being a beloved husband, father, coach, teacher and friend.
While the love of his life for half of a century, Winn Ann, passed away in the fall of 2013, Jim is survived by four sons – Bill, Mike, Mark and Dave – and their respective families.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 AM Friday, Oct. 25, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Fairmont, with military honors to take place afterward. Burial will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Jim honorably served a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy in the Pacific after graduating with his bachelor’s degree from Mankato State University in 1961.
Visitation will take place from 4-7 PM Thursday, Oct. 24, at Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairmont, and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.
Thank you for your integrity, kindness, witty humor and insight into what’s truly important in life.
Rest in peace, “Coach.”

Fairmont Area Football Association

Playoff Recap - Cardinals 14, Titans 21