In a game every bit as entertaining as the final score, Northfield held off an impressive Farmington comeback for a 21-16 Missota Conference win over the Tigers, Friday, Oct. 8, in Northfield.
The Raiders remained unbeaten (5-0) in conference play and tied with Shakopee for the league lead while the fast-improving Tigers slipped to 1-4.
"I think that this team has come farther from the start of a season to this point than any I have had in my 18 years of coaching," coach Mark Froehling said. "I thought we made big strides last week against Holy Angels and we made some more tonight.
"We got down early but never quit. We played hard until the last whistle. We have grown up a lot as a team over the past two weeks."
Early on the Raiders looked like they were going to make easy work of their visitors, scoring on their first two possession on runs by their slippery tailback Davonte Jacobs who finished the night with 174 yards on 25 carries.
"When we could get him penned in we were ok," defensive coordinator Gary Burr said, "but when he had some space he was tough to bring down."
The Tigers battled to 14-14 halftime draw on two late second period touchdown passes by sophomore quarterback Darren Beenken, a four-yard strike to Dayne Eich and a 36-yard bomb to Nathan Graham.
Farmington looked to be headed for the go-ahead score on the opening drive of the second half. moving all the way to the Raider three-yard line where Graham was stripped of the ball after another long pass completion.
The Tigers had another chance to take the lead with eight minutes to play in the contest when Tyler Grubb booted what appeared to be a 37-yard field goal. But an illegal procedure penalty negated the kick and Grubb's subsequent 42-yard attempt fell short of the uprights.
Northfield took over at its own 25-yard line and marched for the winning points. mostly on the running of Jacobs who scored the touchdown on a twisting 16-yard run with under four minutes to play.
Farmington had one last ray of hope when a Northfield snap out of punt formation was batted out of the end zone, but a sack, a grounded ball and two incompletions ended the upset bid with a minute to play.
The final numbers mirrored the scoreboard with the Raiders holding a 293-252 advantage in total yardage.
Farmington gained most of its yards through the air with Beenken connecting of 11 of 22 throws for 161 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Graham had four receptions for 86 yards and Eich three for 46 to lead the Tiger receiving corps.
Tyler Grubb saw extended action in the backfield for the first time in several weeks and led Tiger rushers with 55 yards on eight carries. CJ Record was bothered by a sore back but still picked up 43 yards on 14 tries.
Defensive end Eric McWright had another banner day for the defense, finishing with a team-high 10 tackles. Ryan Schoening and Jake Schaeppi each had nine and Kevin Olund and Blake Weinand registered six apiece.
Farmignton returns home Friday, Oct. 15, to entertain Missota Conference newcomer Chaska before closing the regular season Wednesday, Oct. 20, at New Prague. Section 1 play begins, Tuesday, Oct. 26.
"We're looking to keep improving evey week," Froehling said. "These games ahead of us are there for us to win."
