FARMINGTON – Farmington defeated Annawan-Wethersfield 40-21 on Friday night behind a strong offensive performance from sophomore quarterback Carson Noy and junior running back Bradyn Brewer.
Noy completed 18 of 28 passes for 297 yards and three touchdowns, while Brewer rushed for 203 yards and three touchdowns.
The Titans got on the scoreboard first when junior Cole Dynes returned the opening kickoff 79 yards for a touchdown.
Annawan-Wethersfield coach Tony Gripp said one of the positives from the game was the way his team continued to compete despite falling behind 26-7 at halftime.
“I think we battled in the second half,” Gripp said. “Even though we were down, we didn’t come out with our heads down and give up.”
The Titans were led offensively by junior running back Alejandro Garcia, who finished the game with 151 rushing yards on eight attempts, including an 85-yard touchdown run with 6:05 remaining in the third quarter.
“He’s just a gamer,” Gripp said of Garcia. “You know, he works his tail off. He wants to understand what to do, and he watches a lot of film. He’s one of the hardest workers in the weight room, and it shows on Friday nights.”
Senior quarterback Aaden VerStraete also contributed on the ground, finishing with 71 rushing yards.
Junior quarterback Pierce Childs gave the Titans another big play late in the game as he connected on a 49-yard touchdown pass to Cole Goodley with 4:55 remaining in the fourth quarter.
The Titans had opportunities to keep the game closer but were unable to capitalize on two red-zone possessions.
Annawan-Wethersfield reached the three-yard line on one drive before a snap went over the Titans’ heads and the team was unable to recover it.
The Titans later reached the red zone again but a false start pushed them behind the sticks, and they were unable to convert the opportunity into points.
“Going into the red zone twice and getting zero points is never a recipe for success when you’re playing a good team,”
Gripp said. “We just need to be better.”
Despite the loss, Gripp said he believes the effort shown by his players gives the team something to build on moving forward.
“I think it’s pretty evident all the kids care,” Gripp said. “And, you know, like we told them after the game, we don’t lose, we learn.”
Annawan-Wethersfield (2-1) will travel to Rushville-Industry on Sept. 11 at 7 p.m.
Farmington (2-1) will travel to Abingdon/Avon on Sept. 11 at 7 p.m.
