By DONN ADAMSON
Daily Journal Sports Editor

Published: Saturday, October 11, 2008
Updated: Saturday, October 11, 2008 8:08 AM CDT

FARMINGTON '” Averaging 47 points in each of their last three games, the Farmington Knights found Friday night's contest more than a challenge as the McCluer Comets defense held the home team to only two touchdowns, and a ball control offense gave the Comets a 28-14 win.

The Comets (5-2) took only 12 seconds to make a statement that they were there to play. Devon Coleman took the opening kickoff at the eight-yard line and ran right through the wall his teammates had set up for the runback, leaving them and any would-be tacklers in his wake as he went 92 yards for the touchdown. Michael Orbin kicked the extra point.

The touchdown was the only score of the first quarter as both defenses were able to make the necessary stops. The Knights were held to a three-and-out and gave up two interceptions in their three possessions.

Jordan Kimrey pulled down an interception in the end zone to put an end to  McCluer's first possession, and the Knights held on downs to force a punt on the Comets next two.

Farmington was able to make a sustained drive of 58 yards on 12 plays but came up short to turn the ball over on downs  at McCluer's 20.

The Comets made them pay for their shortfall by marching the ball downfield with quarterback Lynex Owens completing three passes for 40 yards and Anthony Moore capped off the 80-yard drive with a 17-yard run for the touchdown with 53.9 seconds left in the half.

The Knights answered back to start the second half, but they did it without receiver/running back Bryan Krause and quarterback Zach Hibbitts as both came back to the field with injury.

Ethan Bullard took over the QB job and the sophomore connected on his first pass with Nick Baker for a 34 yard gain, and the Knights marched 75 yards on 10 plays  to score their first touchdown. Jordan Kimrey ran the ball in from the nine and the Knights closed to within 14-7, but not for long.

McCluer marched right back with Xavier Perkins starting the drive with a 41 yard run to the Knights 48 yard line. Chewing off big chunks of yardage on first down, the Comets moved the ball easily into scoring range and on a third-and-goal at the two, Owens fought his way into the end zone  to give his team a two-touchdown edge.

The Knights had to wait until well into the fourth quarter before they had another opportunity to add to their score. Receiving a first down on a late hit on the quarterback on what would have turned out to be a fourth down incomplete pass, the Knights made the Comets pay three plays later.

Kimrey made a five-yard run that turned into 12 yards as he fumbled the ball forward and it rolled out at the five just before a McCluer defender could recover it. Oyler took the following hand-off and cut into the middle of the line for the touchdown. Logan Bradley added the extra point to make the score 21-14 with 7:20 left on the clock. 

Oyler finished the night with 125 yards on 27 carries and the one touchdown.

McCluer again answered with huge chunks of real estate on nearly every play, until Owens hit receiver Lonnie Boga with a 16 yard pass for the Comets last touchdown. McCluer's defense held on the Knights last possession to secure the win.

Farmington finished the night with 236 yards rushing and 103 yards passing. McCluer finished with 181 yards rushing and 106 yard in the air.

Farmington (5-2) will start district play on Friday at Poplar Bluff.