A failed two-point conversion in the game's final minute proved the difference in Farmington's 28-27 Homecoming loss to Holy Angels Friday night, Oct. 1, at Tiger Stadium.
Darren Beenken's six-yard scoring pass to Sebren Baer with 56 seconds to play pulled the Tigers to within a point and coach Mark Froehling said he felt it was the right time for his team to go for the win.
The play was designed to come out of kick formation and called for holder CJ Record to pitch the ball to the trailing Nathan Graham who would have a run-pass option. But the pitch was mis-timed and the play was over before it really started.
"We've run that play periodically for many years with great success," Froehling said. "I thought the situation was set up well for success assuming they would rush to block the kick and leave the edge undefended....I'm fine with the decision, but regret we couldn't execute it a little better to give the play a chance.
Farmington owned the scoreboard most of the night, holding leads of 14-7 at halftime and 21-7 early in the third period before the Stars scored three unanswered touchdowns to take the lead for good with five minutes to play.
"After we went up by two touchdowns right after the half, we went through a quarter and a half where we couldn't seem to do much right," veteran assistant coach Gary Burr said. "We couldn't catch a break."
Beenken hit Kevin Olund and Austin Bassett with short touchdown passes to account for the first half scores and workhorse Record raced 68 yard yards on the first play from scrimmage in the second half for the third Tiger six-pointer.
The loss overshadowed an outstanding individual performance by Record who surpassed the 200-yard rushing mark in a game for the second time this season with 219 yards on 31 carries.
"CJ's hard work is really paying off for him, Froehling said. "He is a good zone type of running back with good vision, speed and cutting ability.
Sophomore Beenken threw for three touchdowns for the first time in his young career, completing nine of 18 throws to six different receivers. Graham caught two for 56 yards and Dayne Eich grabbed two for 32.
"Coach Miskowicz (Lew) is our offensive coordinator and has done a great job of staying with our new offense," Froehling said. "The line has been playing more aggressively. Darren has become more consistent and we are catching the ball better."
Eric McWright (No. 25) had a career night on the defensive side of the ball, finishing with nine tackles, including five for loss, four of them quarterback sacks. Jake Schaeppi had six tackles, Tommy Korbein five and Blake Weinand four.
Defensive coordinator Burr also had words of praise for interior linemen Bret Hoffman and Andy VanBlarcom who did a good job of stuffing the Stars inside running game. The Tigers outgained Holy Angels 353-216 in the contest.
With the loss Farmington dropped to 1-4 for the season and 1-3 in the Missota Conference. Friday, October 8, the Tigers travel to Northfield (4-1; 4-0) for their annual battle for the Tractor Trophy.
