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Knights must develop young roster quickly
front-runner Jeremiah Cunningham transferred to week 8 opponent Festus.
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Farmington encountered a crucial turning point just four series into their season opener against North County when freshman Kaesen McClain was tapped to ignite a stalled rushing attack.
McClain netted 116 yards on just 11 powerful carries before his abbreviated debut was done, and soon earned all-conference honors in the SEMO North.
The Knights are sticking with a flexbone formation that rarely attacks through the air and has become a gradual rarity across the sport in favor of the widely popular spread.
Drye brings good speed to the triple option, and has thrown effectively so far in practice. Senior transfer Owen Birkner is slated to back him up if necessary.
Senior Wyatt Skaggs can spell McClain in the backfield, while Kruppe foresees more ability to rotate at the wing spots, where sophomores Connor Rice and Birkner are ready to start.
Receivers Braydon Berry and Adam Reissing shoulder heavy blocking duties along with an offensive line that brings back Josh Wyatt and Bryce Kathcart as bookend tackles.
The starting guards will
Gabe Giuliani
be junior newcomers Luke Birkner and Ayden Saunders – providing the largest presence up front – while sophomore Corey Crawford takes over at center.
Felker was the Knights’ lone all-state selection last fall at free safety. Skilled junior Gabe Giuliani moves into that position, and assumes key leadership roles of directing the secondary and pursuing the run.
Skaggs and Wyatt return at middle and outside linebackers, respectively, and represent two of only four seniors in
Farmington KNIGHTS
2021 Record: 7-4 (3-1 SEMO North) Head Coach – Erik Kruppe (10th season) Key returners – Kaesen McClain, soph., RB; Gabe Giuliani, jr., RB/LB; Wyatt Skaggs, jr., RB/LB; Braydon Berry, jr., RB/S; Bryce Kathcart, jr., OL/DE; Josh Wyatt, sr., OL/ LB; Damian Cabrera, jr., RB/LB
2022 Schedule:
8/26 – at North County 9/2 – Potosi 9/9 – at Jackson* 9/16 – Sikeston* 9/24 – at TDW Prep 9/30 – Cape Central* 10/7 – at Poplar Bluff* 10/14 – Festus 10/21 – at Central
Wyatt Skaggs
uniform. Cabrera goes to outside linebacker in his return from a season-ending injury.
McClain and Luke Birkner serve as ends on a completely retooled front four, while Gage O’Harver and Saunders seek to lock down the interior.
Berry and Drye likewise handle two-way responsibilities at the corners with Rhett Kauflin and Ian Zohner also factoring into the secondary equation. Rice and McDowell are competing at strong safety.
Farmington must also establish a suitable replacement at place kicker for versatile weapon Brady Cook. For a squad that may require added emphasis on field position, punting duties have yet to be settled.
“We have athletes. Not all of them have experience on Friday nights, and some of them are younger, but they have ability,” Kruppe said. “How quickly some of them can grow into that Friday night responsibility will dictate our level of success. But we have some pieces there.”
The Knights finished second last year in the SEMO North, which continues to be dominated by Jackson. After facing the Indians in week 3, a more favorable stretch follows with home dates against Sikeston and Cape Central plus a road encounter with True Divine Word Prep Academy.
The regular season culminates with yet another nearby state playoff opponent at Central, which also replaces eight starters on each side of the ball.
Kaesen McClain
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