Tigers football undefeated at midpoint
Farmington readies for Homecoming game
The Farmington football team is officially off to its best start since 2008 with an undefeated record at the midpoint of the regular season with more victories than the team had in all of 2011, 2010 and 2009.
“We are very excited about the beginning of our season,” head coach Mark Froehling said. “With returning all-conference quarterback Darren Beenken and running back Athen Ashton and more returning starters than the last few years, we have been able to be more competitive to start the season.”
With a 4-0 record and the fact that it’s homecoming on Friday, the buzz is as loud as ever.
The Tigers will be up against a formidable Missota Conference opponent in Chaska (3-1) at home Friday night. The Hawks give up an average of 12.3 points while scoring 25.5 in four games this season.
Chaska’s loss came against Chanhassen 18-7 on Sept. 7. Otherwise the team blew out Winona 35-7 on Aug. 30 and Red Wing 33-0 last week, and edged Shakopee 27-24 on Sept. 14.
“They have a good mobile quarterback, they spread the field well offensively and they have a strong, athletic defense,” Froehling said. “We will need to play our best game to compete with this team.”
Froehling is treating the game just like any other.
“Homecoming is always a fun time in high school, but it can create distractions,” Froehling said. “We focus on our job as a football team to prepare like any other week for a big game on Friday.”
The last Tiger victim was New Prague on Sept. 21 when Farmington avenged a 30-17 loss from a season ago.
The Tigers took a 14-0 lead by halftime and held on to win 14-7.
Beenken threw for 143 yards, a touchdown and an interception from the quarterback position. Mackinley Bassett caught the touchdown pass from 22 yards.
The team’s leading rusher was once again Ashton, who had 125 yards and a touchdown off 25 carries.
Still, Froehling feels the team has a better, more complete game in there.
“We certainly haven’t played a perfect game and we need to continue to improve,” he said.
Mason Auge had seven tackles, Gaylord Mason had six and Alex Chadwin totaled 5.5.
The Tigers will make the trip to Chanhassen (2-2) on Oct. 5 and play host to Holy Angels (3-1) on Oct. 12.
