Stoner is more comfortable in second year at Fairfield

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BENTON -- Fairfield High football coach Cory Stoner feels much more comfortable at the helm of the Falcons this year.

So could that be a big concern for the Northeast Corner Conference Big School Division?

Time will tell.

In his first year with the Falcons after coming over from Jimtown, Stoner's team had one of the crazier seasons in county history.

In their five wins Fairfield scored 241 points, which included a 48-33 win over a Culver Academy team that finished 8-2, But in team's six losses, Fairfield scored just 42 points and was shutout three times.

"We were far from crisp at times last season as the kids learned a new system,'' Stoner admitted. "But I was happy with a lot of things the kids did and we did win three straight late in the year.''

Stoner's first job for 2025 is a tough one, as he must replace his two starting backs that combined for 2,280 yards rushing and 27 touchdowns. Breckan Maran rushed for 1,318 and was a first-team All-Area choice, while Blake Metzger added 962 yards on the ground.

"Those are two really great players to have to replace,'' Stoner said. "But, it will also give our younger guys a chance to show what they can do ... they deserve that shot.''

Stoner is looking at junior Isaac Yoder and sophomore Reese Miller to open the season in the backfield, although he admits there may be more of a rotation at the running back spots this year.

Fairfield does have an experienced starter back at quarterback in junior Kahler Maust, who took over late in the 2024 season and completed 18 of his 35 passes for 279 yards and three touchdowns.

While the Falcons' offense will likely never be called 'Air Cory' after their coach, there are some returning pieces for the passing game in senior Ben Kio and sophomore Brandt Sark, along with tight end Cole Knight.

David Almiray, Trevor Riegsecker and Nolan Steele bring good experience in the offensive line to try and open holes for the running game.

The Falcons have some holes defensively too after the graduation of Maran, Metzger and leading tackler Hunter Kauffman. Like Marin, Kauffman was a member of The Truth's All-Area team last fall.

Senior Harley Garl returns in the defensive line after recording 5.5 tackles for loss last season, while claasmate Landon Beasy also bring experience upfront.

Yoder, Warren Kauffman and Jack Larson are back at the linebacker spots, while Bryce Geiger should be a fixture in the secondary.

So after last season's up-and-down season, what does Stoner see as a key for this season's Fairfield team?

"We need to believe,'' Stoner said simply. "It's not good enough to be 5-6 or even 6-3 and we all need to decide what we can do better to help us have a better season this year.

"We just need to focus on being 1-0 every week as the season goes on.''

Fairfield will travel to Jimtown for Week 3 this year, as Stoner returns to Baugo Township to coach against several of his former players.

In meeting last season, the Jimmies topped Fairfield, 35-0.

The Falcons again play in one of the best 3A sectionals in the state, with Angola, Garrett, Lakeland, Tippecanoe Valley, West Noble and Fort Wayne Concordia and Woodlan.

Garrett, which won also won the NECC Big School title, is also the defending sectional champions.