FARMINGTON, Minn. – The Farmington Tigers opened their 2024 football season with a thrilling 28-26 overtime victory over the Mounds View Mustangs on Friday night. After an hour-long weather delay pushed kickoff to 8:00 p.m., the Tigers took an early lead but needed a dramatic finish in regulation and a clutch performance in overtime to secure the win in a rain-soaked contest.
RECAP
The Tigers got off to a fast start on defense, with Chris Rehak, Max Speratos, and Joe Seyfert forcing a quick stop on Mounds View's first possession. Seyfert then intercepted a pass on third down, setting up the Tigers' offense. Senior quarterback Jonah Ask took the field and immediately handed off to Brock Wyandt, who dashed 60 yards for a touchdown on Farmington's first offensive play of the season. Despite a missed extra point, the Tigers jumped ahead 6-0.
In the second quarter, Ask extended the lead to 12-0 with a 31-yard scramble for a touchdown on 3rd and 20. However, another missed PAT left the Tigers vulnerable, and Mounds View capitalized on their next possession with a 5-yard touchdown pass from Jacob Sampson to Weston Kuchar. The Mustangs' 2-point conversion failed, and Farmington took a 12-6 lead into halftime.
The third quarter saw Mounds View surge ahead, capitalizing on a fumble by Farmington's Layne Johnson and a series of penalties by the Tigers. Sampson connected on a 15-yard touchdown pass after recovering a dropped snap, and with a successful extra point, Mounds View took a 13-12 lead. The Mustangs continued to press, adding another touchdown on a 7-yard pass play to extend their advantage to 20-12.
With time running out, the Tigers mounted a desperate drive, reaching the Mustangs' 1-yard line with just three seconds left. Ask plunged into the end zone as time expired, narrowing the gap to 20-18. On the ensuing 2-point conversion, Ask fired a quick pass to Wyandt, who secured the catch to send the game into overtime.
In overtime, Farmington struck first, with Ask scoring on a short run. A bad snap forced the Tigers into a 2-point conversion attempt, which they successfully converted to take a 28-20 lead. Mounds View responded with a touchdown but failed on their 2-point conversion attempt, sealing the 28-26 victory for Farmington.
TOP TIGERS
Jonah Ask led the Tigers with 129 passing yard completing 10/16 passes. He also rushed for 192 yards on thirteen attempts, scoring three touchdowns, including the game-winning score in overtime. Brock Wyandt contributed significantly with 79 rushing yards and a touchdown on six carries and added six receptions for 100 yards. Cole Wilcek caught one pass for 10 yards. On defense, Max Speratos delivered a standout performance, notching 10 total tackles and Joe Seyfert anchored the secondary with a crucial interception.
UP NEXT
Farmington travels to Lakeville South on Friday, September 6, for a district matchup against the Cougars. The Cougars are looking to bounce back after a narrow 17-14 loss to Wayzata on Thursday night. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.
Gallery: (8-29-2024) Football vs. Mounds View (Aug. 29, 2024)
