Bulldogs defense can't contain balanced Farmington attack

SIKESTON -- Whether they wanted to run or pass, the Farmington Knights did it with ease.

What many consider a 'pass-happy' offense, the Knights showed they are just as efficient on the ground against one of the more stingier defenses in the area.

Sikeston allowed the most yards in a single game this season to their district foe on Thursday to let their third-straight district title slip away during a 55-21 loss at Sikeston High School.

They also gave up the most points since 2007 in a 63-20 loss to West Plains.

"I don't know if you stop them, you just have to slow them down on offense as best you can," Sikeston coach Kent Gibbs said. "They have a good football team. There's a reason they're ranked and they are where they are. We've knocked them out the last two years, but we weren't able to do that (Thursday)."

Farmington (9-1) racked up 466 yards against a Sikeston defense who has held opponents to an average of 211 yards. Chase Busenbark, Farmington's quarterback, threw for 195 yards on just five completions.

Although he completed just five passes, Busenbark's pinpoint accuracy carved what has been a solid defensive backfield throughout the season.

"We knew (Sikeston) was good this year," Busenbark said. "We prepared as much as possible for them. The line blocked on run and pass so we were able to do pretty much whatever our offensive coordinator wanted to.

"They were playing up tight on our receivers and were giving us more of a man look. It allowed us to go deep. We didn't throw a lot of short balls."

Farmington's first score was a 67-yard pass from Busenbark to Evan Dunivan who slipped behind Sikeston's Keldon Warfield for the long reception. Busenbark, then gunned a 10-yard pass to Alec Sebastian to give the Knights a 14-0 advantage in the first quarter.

"They came out and hit us," Gibbs said. "We gave them short fields on three of their first five possessions in the first half and they scored three times."

It looked as if the Knights were going to continue to throw after the early success Busenbark and his core of receivers were having, but running back Connor Davault took advantage of superb offensive line play and the expectations of their 'pass-happy' attack.

"I think in the last three weeks we've rushed for a combined 900 yards," Farmington coach Todd Vaughn said. "We're going to take what they give us. If the run is there, then that's what we're going to take advantage of. I think everyone thinks that we are pass happy, but I tell my offensive coordinator to take what they give us."

Davault trounced through Sikeston's defense for 170 yards on 26 carries. He crossed the goal line four times as well.

"They have some big bodies and (Davault) runs really well," Gibbs said. "Their line got in our way a little bit and got in our linebackers face and they weren't able to get over the top. (Davault) also did a real good job of cutting the ball back and was real patient with his blocks. He let things develop in front of him."

Vaughn was very appreciative of his offensive line, which was the driving force in their offense.

"We were able to run the football and do a lot of good things up front," Vaughn said. "Anytime you protect and run the football, you've got a chance to win. We ran the ball well and it opened up some things in the passing game, too."

The Knights as a whole, rushed for 271 yards which is the most against Sikeston this season.

A dynamic running game within a spread offensive attack, gives quarterbacks like Busenbark confidence that it's not all on his shoulders -- even though he'd like it to be.

"I definitely like to pass the ball," said Busenbark. "But, whenever we run the football and it wins football games, I'll take it."

"I think Chase would tell you he'd like to pass it 60 times a game," Vaughn said. "But the facts are this, if you can run the football it's a relief."

Farmington will look to continue their late season run on Wednesday when they host Festus. Sikeston (8-2) will travel to Hillsboro to try and keep their season alive.