Cardinals Overcome Miscues In Win

BERRYVILLE — Farmington overcame a flurry of early miscues to defeat Berryville, 20-3, and spoil the Bobcats’ Homecoming on Friday.

“We knew going in that Berryville is a much better team than they have been in the past,” said Farmington coach Mike Adams.

In the second quarter, Zac Yocum blocked a Bobcat punt setting up a Cardinal first-and-goal from the five-yard line but on fourth down Avery Logan intercepted Keaton Austin’s throw into the end zone and returned the ball downfield.

Farmington again turned the ball over on a fumbled snap under center with Garrett Record pouncing on the ball for Berryville at the Cardinal 39. This time Berryville was able to successfully kick a field goal with Richard Webb connecting from 20 yards and a 3-0 Bobcat lead.

With the half winding down Farmington fashioned a 1:12 drive in to score on Austin’s 41-yard touchdown toss to Chas Turner on the sixth play of a 64-yard march. Juan Flores kicked the point-after and Farmington led 7-3 with 1:40 remaining before intermission.

“We had turnovers but we were able to overcome them. Then we got the touchdown right before the half. The big thing was we continued to play tough defense and we were able to run the football,” Adams said.

The Cardinals would not trail again and snared the Bobcats by capturing turnovers in the second half.

T.J. Askgaard ended the Bobcats’ first possession of the third with a fumble recovery and the fourth frame began with the Cardinals knocking on the door. Ian Crawford dove over the goal line for a touchdown to polish off a 13-play, 73-yard drive that consumed 5:34 and lifted Farmington to a 14-3 advantage.

A crucial fourth down conversion with defensive tackle Thomas Clay lining up at fullback as the lead blocker sustained the drive with Justice Hobbs gaining 4 yards.

“It just felt good that I’m doing something to help my team out, to help them win,” Clay said.

After a Berryville punt, Austin led a 94- yard drive executing several pitches to get runners an edge on the corners. Josh Blew scored on such a play from 11 yards out to push the lead to 20-3.

Gabe Sequichie’s sack caused a fumble, which Farmington recovered to take away Berryville’s final possession of the game.

The Cardinals (4-1-1,2-1) will visit Gravette on Friday at 7 p.m.

MARK HUMPHREY ENTERPRISE-LEADER Farmington running back Justice Hobbs benefits from a large hole created by the line and tight end Flint Oxford in Friday’s 20-3 victory.