Tiger gang tackling
Tyler Grubb for five
For the third time in as many weeks the Tigers came up just short in their search for their second victory of the season.
Short as in CJ Record twice being stopped inches from the goal line, once on a failed two-point conversion in the third period and once on a fourth down-and-goal from the four-yard line late in the fourth quarter.
Short as in a 37-yard yard field goal try by Tyler Grubb in the final period. Short as in a 16-6 Missota Conference loss to league newcomer Chaska in the regular season home finale, Friday, Oct. 15, at Tiger Stadium.
"We were right there," coach Mark Froehling said following his team's fifth straight loss. "We had our opportunities but we didn't take advantage.
"We were much better in the second half. We had the ball in their end of the field more but we didn't take advantage. That's been our story much of the season."
Three turnovers kept the Farmington offense in neutral over the first 24 minutes while the Hawks took advantage of good field position to forge a 9-0 lead.
Chaska scored its touchdown early in the second period following a gritty goal line stand by the Tigers and then added a 22-yard field goal just before intermission.
Chaska scored again to open the third period but later in the quarter, Sebren Baer came up with a pass interception that gave the Tigers the ball inside Chaska territory for the first time.
On the next play, Record skirted left end and out-ran the Hawk secondary for his third touchdown of the season. Record's run for a two-point conversion failed, however, leaving the home team with a 10-point deficit.
The remainder of the game the Tigers knocked and knocked but couldn't get in the end zone door. Grubb's field goal try fell just short of the uprights and Record was stopped in the shadow of the goal line after the offense had moved the ball from its own one-yard line to the Chaska four.
"We kept playing until the end," Froehling said. "We played with a lot of heart. I'm very proud of this team."
Record had another big night running the ball, picking up 149 of his team's 195 rushing yards on 17 carries.
After throwing for five touchdowns in the past two games, sophomore Darren Beenken had a rough night, connecting on 10 of 26 throws for 90 yards and three interceptions.
"They (Chaska) have some good athletes and they covered our crossing patterns well," Froehling said. "They were very physical and didn't give us much space to throw the ball."
Dayne Eich led the receiving corps with two catches for 45 yards. Baer caught three for 26 and Record and Austin Bassett each had two for short yardage.
Tommy Korbein and Kevin Olund led the way for the defense with eight tackles apiece. Sackmaster Eric McWright recorded seven stops, including a sack, and Cory Johnson had six.
The Tigers close regular season play at New Prague, Wednesday, Oct. 20, and then begin preparations for Section 1AAAAA post-season play that begins the following Tuesday.
