Fayette Wins Offensive Showcase Over Harrisburg

The Fayette Falcons ground game once again paid dividends as they defeated Harrisburg 52-42 in a district semifinal football game Friday night in Fayette. The Falcons racked up 366 yards on the ground in a game that featured a combined 94 points. After a tepid first half that saw the home team lead 16-12 at the break, both offenses got on track in the second half. Fayette held a slim 24-20 lead halfway through the third quarter when they had a successful fourth down conversion near midfield. One play later, Garren Vroman gave them some breathing room.

Colin Schowe with the call on 99.9 The Captain and centralmoinfo.com. A pair of D.J. Moore touchdown runs and an additional one from Vroman helped Fayette build a 52-26 lead with 5:41 remaining. However, Harrisburg would answer with a 14 yard touchdown pass by Tanner Lanes to Anthony Alicea to cut it to 52-34. After a successful onside kick recovery, Lanes struck through the air once again.

With two minutes remaining, the Bulldogs recovered a fumble and marched to the edge of the Fayette redzone. However, a turnover on downs with under a minute remaining sealed the game for the Falcons. Fayette coach Mike Thompson said withstanding the late Harrisburg rally was a good lesson for his team.

Vroman led the Falcons’ bruising ground attack with 294 yards and three touchdowns on 32 carries. Thompson discussed what made the running game so successful on the night.

Harrisburg’s offensive success came from senior quarterback Tanner Lanes who threw for 376 yards and five touchdowns on 28-41 passing. Harrisburg coach Steve Hopkins said he was proud of the effort Lanes and the rest of the team brought to the game.

The Bulldogs conclude the season with an 8-3 record. This marks the second straight eight-win season for Harrisburg. Hopkins reflected on this year’s group of seniors.

Harrisburg graduates a total of nine seniors from this year’s squad. While Harrisburg’s season ends, Fayette improves to 10-1 and will play for a district title next week against Sweet Springs. You can hear full postgame interviews with both coaches online at centralmoinfo.com

Fayette Coach Mike Thompson

Harrisburg Coach Steve Hopkins