Weekly News Archive 1

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By Charlie Sorrells
Fairmont Football Association Contributor

 FAIRMONT – Veteran head coach Todd Oye and his No. 3-seeded Luverne football team are most likely hoping the fourth time proves the charm when it comes to the Section 3AAA playoffs.
Luverne (7-2) locks up with mentor Mat Mahoney’s No. 2-seeded Fairmont gridders (6-2) at 2 PM Saturday at Thomas Mahoney Field in Fairmont in the sectional semifinals for the fourth consecutive year. Unfortunately for Oye and his Cardinals, Fairmont has won all three of their previous clashes in 2023 (32-0), 2022 (35-0) and 2021 (40-6).
“That’s in the past, so forget about those scores and focus on the upcoming game,” said Mahoney, whose lineup did not face Oye’s charges during the regular season this fall. “You never want your players to look past any team in the playoffs, especially one that’s as well-coached as Luverne.
“They didn’t have much trouble in beating Albert Lea 41-0 in the sectional quarterfinals on Tuesday night, and Luverne accomplished that without their starting quarterback (Carter Sehr) and one of their top receivers in (Jaxon) Lais playing their regular spots on offense and defense due to injuries.”
Oye did a masterful job of rotating junior right-hander Josh Hansen and sophomore left-hander Ben Hartquist under center in place of Sehr, who tops Luverne with 858 yards and five touchdowns through the air to complement leading the team’s charts with 422 rushing yards and seven more scores in 2024.
“While Sehr didn’t play at quarterback, he did handle Luverne’s punting duties on Tuesday night, so we (coaching staff) wouldn’t be surprised to see him on the field during Saturday’s game,” said Mahoney. “Whoever they go with at QB, we’ll have a game plan ready.”
Luverne utilized a four-pronged ground attack and a smothering turnover-creating defensive performance to pile up all 41 points during the opening half, including 27 during the fateful second quarter, in Tuesday night’s shutout.
Fullback Marcos Diaz, who finished the section quarterfinal with 63 yards on just eight totes, pounded out a 13-yard run to set up a game-opening 1-yard TD rumble by eligible lineman Eli Woodley, who lined up in the backfield. Woodley is Luverne’s 6-foot-5, 250-pound senior offensive lineman and leading tacklers from his middle linebacker position.
Junior Jaydon Johnson, who has rushed for 348 yards and seven Tds this fall, scored on a 14-yard run for Luverne before Hartquist found a seam and galloped 39 yards for the first of the team’s four second-quarter scores.
Sophomore wingback Darius Dolo, who generated 82 yards on just five carries in Tuesday night’s playoff game, displayed his speed and quickness by reaching the end zone on a 51-yard TD sprint. Dolo also kicked five of the team’s six PATs on the night.
Defensive end Keaton Ahrendt, a 6-3, 250-pound senior, later recovered an Albert Lea errant pitch in the end zone for a TD before sophomore running back Jaymyn McLaughlin capped Luverne’s offensive outburst with an 11-yard scoring sprint. Ahrendt pocketed two fumble recoveries on the section quarterfinal, Caden Kruger intercepted one Tiger pass, while Jaydon Johnson’s interception was negated by a Luverne penalty.
“Defensively, Woodley and Ahrendt really set the tone for Luverne,” said Mahoney. “Woodley’s big, strong and mobile as he’s all over the place making tackles.
“He’s a big hitter, so we’ll have to get a hat on him and limit his effectiveness.”
Woodley and Ahrendt also combine on the left side of Luverne’s offensive line that creates holes in opposing defenses.
“Luverne is really big and physical along the line of scrimmage on both sides of the football,” Mahoney said in reference to 6-2, 300-pound guard Layne Sasker; 6-3, 250-pound tackle Ryker Johnson, 6-2, 165-pound center Coulter Thone, Woodley and Ahrendt. “They like to run the football, so we’ll have to be ready for the option.
“Coach Oye likes to use multiple formations and knows what he wants to achieve with every one of them.”
Across the field, Oye will have to look to his revolving 3-4 defensive scheme to halt the progress of University of St. Thomas commit Elijah Johnson, who enters the playoffs with 1,166 yards and 20 Tds on 154 carries, and quarterback Joe Long, who’s completed 66 of 94 passes for 868 yards and six scores.
Long utilizes a three-pronged receiver attack consisting of Nolan Schultze – 25 catches for 442 yards and four scores, Tavian Harvey – 21 receptions for 164 yards and one TD, and Brett Williams – 13 catches for 182 yards and two Tds.
Schultze and Williams also pace Fairmont’s defensive secondary with three and two interceptions, respectively, including pick-6s of 102 and 55 yards, respectively, in back-to-back fashion during a 20-19 regular-season loss to Waseca.
Lucas Rosburg has proven a steady kicking leg for Fairmont by connecting on 33 of 37 PATs and one field goal this fall, linebacker Caleb Chambers tops the team with four fumble recoveries including one in the end zone, while Bemidji State commit Hank Artz creates intense pressure from the defensive trenches.
The winner between Fairmont and Luverne advances to face the winner between Waseca and Jordan in a 7 PM Section 3AAA championship game Friday, Nov. 1, at New Ulm High School’s artificial turf field.
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STARTING LINEUPS
FAIRMONT CARDINALS (6-2)

OFFENSE
QB: #13 Joe Long, 6-1, 145, Junior
RB: #8 Elijah Johnson, 5-10, 195, Senior
FB: #44 Hank Artz, 6-3, 245, Senior
OT: #65 Oliver Tordsen, 6-8, 235, Senior
OG: #55 Ivan Martin, 6-0, 230, Senior
C: #54 Jake Ehlert, 6-0, 220, Junior
OG: #52 Tyler Bicknase, 6-2, 230, Junior
OT: #77 David Miller, 6-4, 250, Junior
TE: #38 Vincent Schultz, 6-2, 175, Sophomore
WR: #3 Nolan Schultze, 6-2, 175, Senior
WR: #1 Tavian Harvey, 6-0, 145, Junior

DEFENSE
E: #44 Artz
T: #73 Mathew Martin, 6-2, 270, Junior
T: #55 Ivan Martin
E: #65 Tordsen
OLB: #23 Caleb Chambers, 5-10, 175, Senior
MLB: #40 Hunter Johnson, 6-1, 216, Senior
OLB: #45 Ty Tumbleson, 6-2, 165, Junior
CB: #12 Hadan Toomer, 6-1, 180, Senior
CB: #1 Harvey
S: #6 Jaron Schutz, 5-11, 150, Senior
S: #3 Nolan Schultze
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LUVERNE CARDINALS (7-2)

OFFENSE
QB: #12 Josh Hansen, 6-0, 175, Junior
FB: #4 Marcos Diaz, 5-8, 165, Senior
RB: #22 Jaymyn McLaughlin, 5-9, 150, Sophomore
SL: #18 Darius Dolo, 5-11, 160, Sophomore
OT: #64 Keaton Ahrendt, 6-3, 250, Senior
OG: #51 Eli Woodley, 6-5, 250, Senior
C: #57 Coulter Thone, 6-2, 165, Senior
OG: #63 Layne Sasker, 6-2, 300, Senior
OT: #56 Ryker Johnson, 6-3, 250, Senior
TE: #3 Jaydon Johnson, 6-2, 180, Junior
WR: #1 Zach Overgaard, 6-3, 175, Senior

DEFENSE
E: #56 Ryker Johnson
NG: #63 Sasker
E: #64 Ahrendt
OLB: #13 Coy Thone, 6-3, 180, Sophomore
ILB: #51 Woodley
ILB: #4 Diaz
OLB: #3 Jaydon Johnson
CB: #10 Caden Kruger, 5-10, 140, Senior
CB: #20 Matthew Gangestad, 5-11, 165, Sophomore
S: #7 Conner Bose, 6-2, 165, Junior
S: #17 Ben Hartquist, 6-1, 170, Sophomore 

By Charlie Sorrells
Fairmont Football Association Contributor

FAIRMONT – Even though the Section 3AAA football playoff bracket is comprised of eight teams, the No. 1-seeded Waseca Bluejays and the No. 2-seeded Fairmont Cardinals each received opening-round byes on Tuesday night.
‘Why?’ area sports fans ask.
“Any section with eight teams has the option for the (football) coaches to vote whether or not the Nos. 7 and 8 seeded teams square off against the Nos. 2 and 1, respectively, in the quarterfinals or the bottom two play in a non-advancement game. To be honest, they’re rare instances when upsets happen in the 8 vs. 1 and 7 vs. 2 games, so it gives those less successful teams the chance to end the season on a positive note,” said Fairmont activities director and head football coach Mat Mahoney. “It also rewards the top two teams for their performances throughout the regular season by granting them a first-round bye.”
Fairmont (6-2) will play host to the winner between No. 3 seed Luverne (6-2) and No. 6 seed Albert Lea (2-6) in a 2 p.m. sectional semifinal Saturday, Oct. 26, at Thomas Mahoney Field. Fairmont defeated Albert Lea by a 47-7 decision in Week 3, but did not play Luverne during the eight-game fall schedule.
“That’s ironic. We didn’t have Luverne on our regular-season schedule, but when was the last time we did not face them in the section semifinals?” Mahoney said with a chuckle.
The answer: Pre-Covid. Unfortunately for head coach Todd Oye, Luverne has lost to Fairmont in second-round postseason action the last three consecutive years – 2021-23 – but Mahoney is not looking past his long-time rival.
“It’s cliché, but our approach is one game at a time,” said Mahoney.
Luverne plays host to Albert Lea in a 7 p.m. kickoff on Tuesday night.
In Tuesday’s other two games, No. 8 seed Tri-City United (1-7) travels to No. 7 seed Worthington (1-7) for a 7 p.m. non-advancement contest, while No. 5 seed Belle Plaine (3-5) hits the road to No. 4 seed Jordan (4-4) in a 7 p.m sectional quarterfinal. The Belle Plaine—Jordan winner advances to take on No. 1 seeded Waseca (7-1) at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, in a semifinal in Waseca.
Waseca head coach Brad Wendland’s Bluejays – the defending sectional champions – downed Belle Plaine 35-7 during Week 4 before fending off Jordan by a 38-21 decision in Week 5.
Fairmont enters the playoffs with a slight advantage over Waseca in least points allowed average – 11.2-11.9, while Luverne allows just 12.0 per outing. Offensively, Fairmont is No. 1 on the statistical charts by averaging 35.2 points per game, with Waseca second at 30.2, while Luverne and Jordan nearly score at the same clip, 25.4 and 25.2, respectively.
The Section 3AAA football championship game will kick off at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, on New Ulm High School’s artificial surface.
Waseca edged Fairmont in overtime to capture the 2023 sectional crown and a Class AAA state bid, while Fairmont defeated Waseca to pocket the section championship in both 2021 and 2022. The Bluejays, however, ended this regular season with a narrow 20-19 victory over the Cardinals on Wednesday night. 

 By Charlie Sorrells
Fairmont Football Association Contributor

    FAIRMONT – A one-point, down-to-the-last-second regular-season football finale between the Class AAA No. 5-ranked Waseca Bluejays and the No. 8-rated Fairmont Cardinals on Wednesday night in Waseca created the potential for a worth-the-admission-fee Section 3 championship rematch in two weeks.
Freshman quarterback Kellen Klinger fired an 11-yard scoring strike to South Dakota State commit Damarius Russell with 1:08 left in regulation to help Waseca deny Fairmont’s 19-point third-quarter comeback, 20-19, in a clash of sectional titans.
Waseca (7-1) has the inside track at the No. 1 seed in the playoffs which kick off Tuesday night, while Fairmont will likely earn the No. 2 seed in the postseason tournament. The official matchups for the sectional playoffs will be determined later today (Oct. 17).
The Cardinals and Bluejays have squared off in the Section 3 finals for each of the last three campaigns, with Fairmont winning in 2021 and 2022 before Waseca claimed the crown last fall.
“Our guys played their hearts out during the second half, but we dug ourselves too big of a hole during the first half,” Fairmont head coach Mat Mahoney said in reference to Waseca’s 14-0 lead at the break. “We made some slight adjustments at halftime, our players put more pressure on them (the Bluejays) and our defense delivered two pick-6s, while our offensive line did a good job of allowing us to run EJ (Elijah Johnson) between the tackles to eventually get the lead for us in the second half.”
Ironically, both Waseca and Fairmont transformed defensive gems into immediate points during a proverbial tale of two football halves.
Tauston Rupe’s fumble recovery led to Klinger’s 1-yard TD run with 2:39 to go in the first quarter before Micah Allen-Haas’ quarterback sack late in the second segment helped set up Carson Ohnstad’s 5-yard scoring reception from Klinger with 1:53 to go before intermission.
University of St. Thomas commit Elijah Johnson – who finished with a game-best 138 yards on 25 rushes -- heeded Mahoney’s halftime speech and served as the Cardinals’ offensive catalyst to open the third quarter. Johnson produced 69 of Fairmont’s 85-yard scoring march that the senior running back capped with a 5-yard bulldozing TD run. Lucas Rosburg’s PAT kick halved Fairmont’s deficit to 14-7 with 7:39 remaining in the third frame.
Brett Williams and Nolan Schultze, two of the Cardinals’ top receivers, displayed their respective good hands from a defensive perspective by producing rare back-to-back pick-6s to swing a 19-14 lead to the visitors on the scoreboard with only 20 seconds to go in the third quarter.
Williams corraled a Waseca tipped pass at his own 45-yard line, picked up a block and ran 55 yards to paydirt for the touchdown. Brandyn Jascha managed to block Rosburg’s extra-point kick to keep the score at 14-13 with 5:15 remaining in the third.
Klinger, who completed 24 of 42 passes for a game-leading 248 yards, connected on a key 32-yard aerial connection with Damarius Russell to gain the Fairmont 29 during the ensuing sequence. Klinger later carried to the 6 before Nolan Schultze intercepted a third-and-goal pass at the 2 and sprinted 98 yards for another Cardinal pick-6 and a 19-14 lead with 20 seconds left in the third.
Despite Ty Tumbleson quarterback sack on second-and-13, following a 3-yard loss via a Hank Artz and Caleb Chambers’ combination sack, Fairmont’s offense could not capitalize on starting field position at its own 45 with 8 minutes remaining in regulation.
Klinger and the Bluejays then assembled an 11-play, 72-yard scoring drive to regain the lead with only 1:08 to go in regulation. Klinger converted a third-and-8 situation with a 13-yard quick out to Damarius Russell before connecting for his most vital pass – a 30-yard crossing route to Deron Russell – to reach the Fairmont 11 with time winding down. Damarius Russell then grabbed a right-side quick out from Klinger and stretched the football across the goal line for the go-ahead and eventual game-winning TD catch at the 1:08 juncture.
Fairmont junior quarterback Joe Long then zipped completions of 13 and 8 yards, respectively, to Elijah Johnson before hitting Nolan Schultze over the middle for an 11-yard conversion on a clutch fourth-and-3 play to put the visitors in position for a 32-yard field goal attempt. Rosburg’s kick went awry due to the gusting wind with 3 seconds to go.
Hunter Johnson generated a fumble recovery for the Cardinals.
“We learned a lot from a close down-to-the-wire game like that, and it’ll make us more prepared for the upcoming playoffs,” said Mahoney.
Ohnstad topped all receivers by making 10 catches for 72 yards and one TD for Waseca, Damarius Russell contributed seven receptions for 81 yards and a score, while Deron Russell chipped in six catches for 95 yards. Defensively, Lucas Selthun recovered a fumble for the Bluejays.
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Fairmont    0  0  19  0 – 19
Waseca      7  7    0  6 – 20
Scoring Plays
1st Quarter
WAS: Kellen Klinger 1 run (Owen Rupe kick), 2:39.
2nd Quarter
WAS: Carson Ohnstad 5 pass from Klinger (Owen Rupe kick), 1:53.
3rd Quarter
FMT: Elijah Johnson 5 run (Lucas Rosburg kick), 7:39.
FMT: Brett Williams 55 interception return (kick blocked), 5:15.
FMT: Nolan Schultze 98 interception return (kick failed), 0:20.
4th Quarter
WAS: Damarius Russell 11 pass from Klinger (pass failed), 1:08.
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TEAM STATISTICS
First downs: Waseca 18; Fairmont 9. Rushing: Fairmont 29-134; Waseca 23-66. Passing: Waseca 24-42-2-248; Fairmont 5-11-0-32. Fumbles-lost: Fairmont 3-2; Waseca 2-1. Penalties: Fairmont 6-59; Waseca 3-40.
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INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
Offense: Rushing: Elijah Johnson (FMT) 25-138. Passing: Kellen Klinger (WAS) 24-42-2-248; Joe Long 5-11-0-32. Receiving: Carson Ohnstad (WAS) 10-72, Damarius Russell (WAS) 7-81, Deron Russell (WAS) 6-95; E. Johnson (FMT) 2-21, Nolan Schultze (FMT) 1-11.
Defense: Interceptions: Brett Williams (FMT) and Nolan Schultze (FMT) – both pick6s. Fumble recoveries: Hunter Johnson (FMT), Tausten Rupe (WAS) and Lucas Selthun (WAS). 

 By Charlie Sorrells
Fairmont Football Association Contributor

    FAIRMONT – Waseca head coach Brad Wendland and Fairmont mentor Mat Mahoney will continue their longstanding prep football connection when the Class AAA No. 7-ranked Cardinals (6-1) square off against the No. 5 Bluejays (6-1) at 7 PM Wednesday night in a pivotal Section 3 showdown in Waseca.
Wendland and Mahoney kicked off their incredible coaching careers as assistants for the St. James program nearly two decades ago, and have generated unforgettable gridiron moments in the playoffs with their current teams since 2021.
“There’s a lot on the line in our regular-season finale, but at the same time, our season’s not over if we would lose,” said Mahoney, whose team posted a 21-0 Week 8 win over the Bluejays last season before falling to Waseca in the sectional championship in overtime, 21-13. “We will do everything in our power to try to win the game Wednesday night. However, on the flip side, the worst-case scenario will likely be that we’re the No. 2 section seed, receive a first-round bye next Tuesday night in the quarterfinals and there’s a potential chance that we’ll see them again in the playoffs.”
Ironically, the two powerhouse programs reversed the script during the 2022 campaign as Waseca posted a 32-14 Week 4 regular-season win over Fairmont only to have the Cardinals earn a state bid by defeating the Bluejays in the sectional championship, 35-26.
Fairmont swept Waseca in both games in 2021, winning a Week 4 game by a 28-15 decision before posting a 27-6 triumph over the Bluejays in the section final, 27-6.
“It’s interesting how each of our teams has gradually changed their MO (modus operandi) throughout the years,” said Mahoney.
Mahoney has primarily built his 18-year career record of 131-55 and six state appearances via a potent passing game and modest running attack, while Wendland has amassed wins, district and sectional crowns, and state bids by utilizing a shoulder pads-jarring ground-and-pound running game.
“They’re one of the most explosive teams we’ve seen in the last couple of years,” said Mahoney. “They continue to feature a traditionally strong running game behind the Russell brothers (Damarius and Deron), but they’ve evolved into an even better team by throwing the ball.”
“Damarius and Deron are a huge and important part of what we want to accomplish on offense, so they’re a great starting point for us,” said Wendland. “Due to circumstances beyond our control, we tried freshman Kellen Klinger at quarterback against Jordan, and we’re sticking with him.
“He (Klinger) is a poised, strong-armed young man who we’re impressed with and know he’ll continue to accomplish great things.”
The 5-foot-11, 180-pound freshman set Waseca’s single-game record for completions (28) and passing yards (365) to complement four Tds during his varsity debut under center to trigger a 38-21 win over Jordan in Week 5 this fall.
Klinger is coming off an incredible 12-for-14 passing performance in which he amassed 215 yards and two Tds in last Friday night’s win over Albert Lea. In fact, Klinger displayed his skills at reading the opposing defense by utilizing eight different receivers – topped by Deron Russell’s four catches for 64 yards and Carson Ohnstad’s four receptions for 45 more yards – during Week 7.
Running back Bennett Ludwig demonstrated his multi-tasking skills by catching a 26-yard scoring strike from Klinger, while also topping Waseca with seven carries for 81 yards – including TD runs of 23 and 8 yards, respectively.
While Mahoney will turn to defensive linemen Hank Artz, Ivan Martin, Mathew Martin and Oliver Tordsen – along with linebackers Caleb Chambers, Ty Tumbleson and Hunter Johnson – to put the brakes on the Bluejays’ rushing attack, Wendland will rely on nose guard Max Howard and ends Michael Allen Haas and Kyle McGuire to make the first impact at the line of scrimmage in trying to slow down Cardinals’ standout running back Elijah Johnson. The University of St. Thomas commit has amassed 1,028 yards and 19 Tds on 129 carries this season, while quarterback Joe Long has thrown for 836 yards and six scores.
“Fairmont’s defensive four are athletic and really get after you. We’ll definitely be aware of where No. 44 (Artz) is because of the impact he creates on the field,” Wendland said in reference to Fairmont’s Bemidji State University commit. “Offensively, No. 8 (Elijah Johnson) can beat you from any place or angle, so we’ll try to contain him as much as possible.”
“These kind of games are why you love coaching,” said Mahoney. “We’re looking forward to going up against one of the best teams in the state.”
“As always, Mat and his coaching staff do a great job getting his guys ready, so we know it’ll be a good one,” said Wendland.
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STARTING LINEUPS
FAIRMONT CARDINALS (6-1)
OFFENSE
QB: #13 Joe Long, 6-1, 145, Junior
RB: #8 Elijah Johnson, 5-10, 195, Senior
FB: #44 Hank Artz, 6-3, 245, Senior
OT: #65 Oliver Tordsen, 6-8, 235, Senior
OG: #55 Ivan Martin, 6-0, 230, Senior
C: #54 Jake Ehlert, 6-0, 220, Junior
OG: #52 Tyler Bicknase, 6-2, 230, Junior
OT: #77 David Miller, 6-4, 250, Junior
TE: #38 Vincent Schultz, 6-2, 175, Sophomore
WR: #3 Nolan Schultze, 6-2, 175, Senior
WR: #1 Tavian Harvey, 6-0, 145, Junior

DEFENSE
E: #44 Artz
T: #73 Mathew Martin, 6-2, 270, Junior
T: #55 Ivan Martin
E: #65 Tordsen
OLB: #23 Caleb Chambers, 5-10, 175, Senior
MLB: #40 Hunter Johnson, 6-1, 216, Senior
OLB: #45 Ty Tumbleson, 6-2, 165, Junior
CB: #12 Hadan Toomer, 6-1, 180, Senior
CB: #1 Harvey
S: #6 Jaron Schutz, 5-11, 150, Senior
S: #3 Nolan Schultze
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WASECA BLUEJAYS (6-1)
OFFENSE
QB: #15 Kellen Klinger, Freshman
RB: #2 Bennett Ludwig, Senior
WR: #3 Damarius Russell, Senior
OT: #58 Brandon Jascha, Senior
OG: #78 Joe Mixteco Perez, Senior
C: #57 Cody Weber, Senior
OG: #55 Lucas Selthun, Junior
OT: #50 Ben Hagen, Senior
TE: #25 Deven Parpart, Junior
WR: #18 Carson Ohstad, Senior
WR: #7 Deron Russell, Junior

DEFENSE
E: #51 Kyle McGuire, Senior
NG: #75, Max Howard, Senior
E: #45 Micah Allen-Haas, Senior
OLB: #25 Parpart
ILB: #55 Selthun
ILB: #33 Tauston Rupe, Senior
OLB: #40 Titan Rupe, Sophomore
CB: #18 Ohnstad
CB: #7 Deron Russell
S: #5 Ethan Hiller, Junior
S: #3 Damarius Russell, Senior 

 By Charlie Sorrells
Fairmont Football Association Contributor

    FAIRMONT – Elijah Johnson just keeps etching his name into the Fairmont football program’s rich history books week after week.
The senior running back eclipsed the 1,000-yard seasonal rushing plateau, established a new mark for rushing touchdowns in a quarter and tied the team’s single-game rushing scores record to power the Class AAA No. 7-ranked Cardinals’ 49-9 sectional and district rout over the Worthington Trojans on Friday night in Worthington.
“I think I’ve almost run out of superlatives to describe EJ game after game,” Fairmont mentor Mat Mahoney said with a chuckle. “He puts in so much time and hard work, and he reaps what he sows, so to speak.
“You also have to give some well-earned love to his offensive linemen getting the job done by opening holes and clearing paths,” Mahoney said in reference to tackles Oliver Tordsen and David Miller, guard Ivan Martin and Tyler Bicknase, and center Jake Ehlert.
Johnson accomplished the rare feat of producing a school-record four rushing Tds in Friday night’s opening 12-minute quarter to also trigger Fairmont’s incredible 35-point first frame to put the game out of reach early.
Johnson, who now has a team-leading 1,028 yards and 19 scores on the ground in seven outings, capped the Cardinals’ game-opening drive with a 13-yard sprint to paydirt at the 8:09 juncture. Johnson carried 13 times for a season’s-best 210 yards and five Tds. Lucas Rosburg kicked the first of his game-best seven PATs for a quick 7-0 lead.
After defensive tackles Ivan Martin and Mathew Martin helped engineer Fairmont’s defensive stand that regained possession, quarterback Joe Long threaded a pass to Nolan Schultze for a key 12-yard gain to eventually set up Elijah Johnson’s second TD of the night. Johnson took a handoff and accelerated through a gap for a 21-yard scoring sprint. Rosburg’s PAT kick doubled the Cardinals’ margin to 14-0 at the 5:04 mark.
Linebackers Ty Tumbleson and Hunter Johnson then applied the pressure to Worthington’s backfield to create another punting situation for the hometown Trojans, and it took Long only one snap to extend the Cardinals’ lead.
Long, who collected his fifth 100-plus yard passing performance of the seven-game season, needed one snap to zip a quick-hitter to receiver Tavian Harvey for a 47-yard TD. Harvey finished with a game-best five receptions for 86 yards. Rosburg kicked the football through the uprights for a 21-0 lead with 3:18 to go.
Bemidji State University football commit Hank Artz’s relentless pressure of both Worthington quarterbacks Isaiah Schroeder and Ayden Stugelmeyer – along with Tordsen’s pass-batting skills - forced another quick Trojan punt and Fairmont needed just four snaps to break the plane of the end zone again. Elijah Johnson broke tackles, spun and sprinted 26 yards for his third TD of the opening quarter before Rosburg nailed the PAT kick for a 28-0 margin with 1:06 showing in the first frame.
Artz and Tyler Bicknase later combined for a pivotal QB sack to create another Trojan punting situation, and Elijah Johnson required one tote to cap the Cardinals’ ensuing drive with a 51-yard TD run. Rosburg continued to split the uprights with his kick for a 35-0 lead with a mere 22 seconds showing.
Nolan Schultze’s tip-and-pick interception in the early stages of the second quarter set up Elijah Johnson’s incredible fifth rushing TD of the night. Johnson hammered through tacklers and accelerated 45 yards to the end zone before Rosburg kicked PAT No. 5 for a 42-0 lead with 7:59 remaining.
“I believe five rushing Tds in a single game is the record,” said Mahoney. Fairmont’s head coach was correct as Elijah Johnson matched former Fairmont legendary ground gainers Richie Haycraft, Brandon Martin and Mike Wubbena for the program’s single-outing mark.
Trailing 42-0 at the break, Jacari Swinea, who finished with a team-best 96 yards on 24 carries, scored on a 3-yard run to help the Trojans avoid a shutout with 4:17 remaining in the third quarter.
Chase Byrne’s fumble recovery helped set up Worthington teammate Alex Galvez’s 22-yard field goal with 5:12 left in regulation to narrow Fairmont’s lead to 42-9.
Jerry Lebbi, who finished with 48 yards on six carries, took a toss around right end and sprinted by the Worthington secondary for a 43-yard TD with 1:29 to go in regulation. Rosburg nailed his final kick for Fairmont’s final 40-point margin of victory.
Long completed 6 of 8 passes for 101 yards and one TD for the Cardinals, while Hadan Toomer went 3-for-3 for 25 more yards in a relief role at QB.
Running back Kevin Ramirez added 82 yards on 11 totes for the Trojans, while teammate Permeye Okony contributed a fumble recovery on defense.
Fairmont (6-1) travels to Class AAA No. 5-ranked Waseca (6-1) for a 7 PM regular-season finale on Wednesday, Oct. 16.
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FMT     35  7  0  7 – 49
WOR     0  0  6  3 --   9
Scoring Plays
1st Quarter
FMT: Elijah Johnson 13 run (Lucas Rosburg kick), 8:09.
FMT: E. Johnson 21 run (Rosburg kick), 5:04.
FMT: Tavian Harvey 47 pass from Joe Long (Rosburg kick), 3:18.
FMT: E. Johnson 26 run (Rosburg kick), 1:06.
FMT: E. Johnson 51 run (Rosburg kick), 0:22.
2nd Quarter
FMT: E. Johnson 45 run (Rosburg kick), 7:59.
3rd Quarter
WOR: Jacari Swinea 3 run (conversion failed), 4:19.
4th Quarter
WOR: Alex Galvez 22 FG, 5:12.
FMT: Jerry Lebbi 43 run (Rosburg kick), 1:29.
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TEAM STATISTICS
First downs: Fairmont 10; Worthington 11. Rushing: Fairmont 31-341; Worthington 39-144. Passing: Fairmont 9-11-0-126; Worthington 5-13-1-52. Fumbles-lost: Fairmont 2-2; Worthington 3-0. Penalties: Fairmont 3-40; Worthington 1-10.
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INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
Offense: Rushing: Elijah Johnson (FMT) 13-210, Jerry Lebbi (FMT) 6-48; Jacari Swinea (WOR) 24-96, Kevin Ramirez (WOR) 11-82. Passing: Joe Long (FMT) 6-8-0-101, Hadan Toomer (FMT) 3-3-0-25; Isaiah Schroeder (WOR) 3-9-0-35; Ayden Stugelmeyer (WOR) 2-4-1-17. Receiving: Tavian Harvey (FMT) 5-86; Chase Byrne (WOR) 1-16.
Defense: Interception: Nolan Schultze (FMT). Fumble recoveries: Permeye Okony (WOR) and Chase Byrne (WOR). 

 By Charlie Sorrells
Fairmont Football Association Contributor

   FAIRMONT – Injuries proved the week-long topic of conversation prior to Friday night’s sectional and district football clash between the Class AAA No. 7-ranked Fairmont Cardinals and the hometown Trojans in Worthington.
While Fairmont dropped from the No. 3 spot in the state ratings after its 28-9 loss to then Class AAAA No. 10-ranked Marshall – who climbed to No. 7 this week, the Cardinals more importantly will have junior quarterback Joe Long and senior linebacker Caleb Chambers active by the 7 PM kickoff.
“We got a little banged up against a state-ranked and physical (Class) 4A program like Marshall, but both Joe and Caleb passed through the medical protocols and will be suited up for the game,” said Fairmont mentor Mat Mahoney, whose team experienced its first loss last Friday after reeling off five consecutive wins to kick off the fall. “It’s the same procedure after any loss – we go back to the basics, rebuild any lost confidence and do what we do best.
“We have a resilient group of players, so we’ll be ready to go Friday night.”
Long enters Week 7 with 735 yards and five touchdowns via 55-for-75 passing, while the sure-handed Chambers returns at linebacker with a team-leading four fumble recoveries, including a blocked punt in the end zone for six points.
“Hadan (Toomer) did a great job at quarterback when Joe went down last week, but when your starter exits the field in the middle of a game, your offense gets out of synch,” said Mahoney.
Across the field Friday night, Worthington head coach Geno Lais knows first-hand the tremendous impact caused by injuries, especially this season.
“We’ve gone through offensive linemen at a rapid rate this year,” said Lais, whose team carries a 1-5 overall record into the game. “We’ve lost five starters and/or backups over a two-week span and also lost two junior varsity linemen along the way.
“We were so thin in the line that our senior quarterback Ayden Stugelmeyer, who’s 160 pounds, changed jerseys in the middle of our game against Marshall to play guard for us. He knows the blocking assignments, so he filled in and did a good job. That’s a true team leader.”
Stugelmeyer will exchange his No. 73 blocking uniform for his regular No. 7 and take snaps under center against Fairmont on Friday night, with sophomore Isaiah Schroeder also getting some reps, according to Lais.
Stugelmeyer was able to return at quarterback when the Trojans received good news in the form of sophomore Noah Gravenhof being ready for action at offensive guard after a stay on the inactive list for a number of weeks.
Maxwell Ostrem, who started the season at fullback, will continue to play right guard for Worthington, with Ebenezer Shiferaw sliding from guard to offensive tackle during Week 7.
“Depth is always a concern, but it’s been quite a challenge this year,” said Lais. “We also got back Jacari (Swinea) after he suffered a foot injury in the Marshall game two weeks ago.
“That’s important because he (Swinea) represents about 80 percent of our offense so far.”
The University of Sioux Falls football commit has generated more than 600 yards rushing and a team-leading seven touchdowns during his senior campaign.
“Swinea’s a great running back. With his speed, strength and athleticism, he’s a home run hitter for Worthington,” said Mahoney. “Obviously, he’s the one to keep our defense’s eyes on this week.”
With a couple of players returning this week, what’s the outlook for both coaches?
“Keep it simple. First, don’t put ourselves in long-yardage situations with penalties and second, our defense has to stop (Fairmont running back) Elijah Johnson,” Lais said in reference to the Cardinals’ senior rusher who has amassed an incredible 818 yards and 14 Tds on 116 carries in 2024.
“Defensively, we have to stop Swinea, and from an offensive standpoint, get back to pounding the ball on the ground,” said Mahoney.
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STARTING LINEUPS
FAIRMONT CARDINALS (5-1)
OFFENSE
QB: #13 Joe Long, 6-1, 145, Junior
RB: #8 Elijah Johnson, 5-10, 195, Senior
FB: #44 Hank Artz, 6-3, 245, Senior
OT: #65 Oliver Tordsen, 6-8, 235, Senior
OG: #55 Ivan Martin, 6-0, 230, Senior
C: #54 Jake Ehlert, 6-0, 220, Junior
OG: #52 Tyler Bicknase, 6-2, 230, Junior
OT: #77 David Miller, 6-4, 250, Junior
TE: #38 Vincent Schultz, 6-2, 175, Sophomore
WR: #3 Nolan Schultze, 6-2, 175, Senior
WR: #1 Tavian Harvey, 6-0, 145, Junior

DEFENSE
E: #44 Artz
T: #73 Mathew Martin, 6-2, 270, Junior
T: #55 Ivan Martin
E: #65 Tordsen
OLB: #23 Caleb Chambers, 5-10, 175, Senior
MLB: #40 Hunter Johnson, 6-1, 216, Senior
OLB: #45 Ty Tumbleson, 6-2, 165, Junior
CB: #12 Hadan Toomer, 6-1, 180, Senior
CB: #1 Harvey
S: #2 Dakota Wiley, 5-11, 150, Junior
S: #3 Nolan Schultze
…
WORTHINGTON TROJANS (1-5)
OFFENSE
QB: #7 Ayden Stugelmeyer, 5-10, 160, Senior
FB: #22 Ryan Dorcey, 5-11, 170, Senior
TB: #11 Jacari Swinea, 6-1, 180, Senior
OT: #50 Ebenezer Shiferaw, 6-0, 230, Senior
OG: #53 Noah Gravenhof, 5-11, 200, Sophomore
C: #70 Jack Schmitz, 6-0, 200, Junior
OG: #64 Max Ostrem, 6-1, 200, Senior
OT: #54 Christian Kleve, 5-11, 220, Senior
TE: #16 Chase Byrne, 6-2, 180, Senior
SL: #4 Ben Mahlberg, 5-8, 150, Senior
WR: #5 Carson Henning, 6-1, 150, Senior

DEFENSE
E: #14 Levi Hennings, 6-0, 175, Senior
T: #70 Schmitz
NG: #54 Kleve
E: #16 Byrne
OLB: #64 Ostrem
MLB: #22 Dorcey
OLB: #89 Dawson Svalland, 6-0, 150, Senior
CB: #11 Swinea
CB: #13 Fino Noeno, 5-5, 125, Junior
S: #17 Sage Easterday, 5-8, 175, Senior
S: #12 Quin Mathis, 5-10, 180, Senior