FAIRBURY, NE — This isn’t the start that Matt Edson was expecting for his second season leading the Fairbury football team.

The coronavirus robbed the Jeffs of their season opener at home against Minden. Instead, Fairbury travels to face Malcolm.

“The kids I think initially took it hard when they found out that we did not have a game," Edson said. "Then, we found out the next day that we did fill it with Malcolm and they responded well.”

New opponent… and a new quarterback. Junior starter Zane Grizzle will miss the first few weeks with a sprained ankle. Senior Josh Robertson is stepping in as signal caller even though he has played wide receiver his whole career.  Edson says one thing stands out about his new QB.

“Leadership. The kid is an exceptional leader," Edson said. "Honestly, he’s beyond my expectations of a quarterback so far in camp and I’m looking forward to him on Friday night.”

Robertson says playing a new position has given him perspective.

“It’s different. I understand now sometimes when throws aren’t as good," Robertson said. "There’s a lot more pressure with it because you have to lead and manage the game.”

Edson says the Jeffs will lean on their veteran offensive line which returns four starters.  Outside of the line, Edson says the team is one of the youngest Fairbury’s seen in years.

“It’s exciting what kids do from year to year." Edson said. "(The underclassmen) are stepping in and now they’re going to get that varsity action and we’ll see what they’re made of.”

Robertson says the line will guide the team but the skill positions will pick it up throughout the season.

“We have a wide variety across the board," Robertson said. "I think with mixing and matching different combinations we should keep the defense on their toes and be able to make big plays.”

The kickoff at Malcolm is set for 7:30 Friday night.

Fairbury was 5-4 in 2019.