Farmington’s ‘focus on executing’ plays key factor in dominant wins

FARMINGTON — After dropping its season opener to Ypsilanti Lincoln, Farmington responded with impressive showings in back-to-back games.

Junior running back Cameron Pettaway tallied 211 total yards (176 rushing) and three touchdowns as Farmington blanked Royal Oak 44-0 Sept. 1 at Royal Oak High School.

“He’s got great vision,” Farmington coach Jason Albrecht said. “I think he’s more explosive than last year; he had a really good offseason and took it to heart.”

Senior quarterback Dominic Pesci threw for 191 yards and two touchdowns, while junior running back Ryan Connolly added a score on the ground. Pesci connected with senior wide receiver Aaren McCray for a touchdown in the win.

Farmington continued its successful run in a 28-14 win over Oakland Activities Association-Blue rival Troy Athens Sept. 9.

Pettaway was dominant on the ground with 156 yards and a score, and contributed as a receiver with 61 yards receiving and two touchdowns.

Athens opened up the scoring with an early 7-0, but a touchdown pass from Pesci to Pettaway tied the game up before halftime. Pesci finished with 116 yards and two passing touchdowns in the win.

Farmington committed three turnovers in the first half but came out explosive in the second half with a quick touchdown and an electric 70-yard punt return for a touchdown from junior Owen Matteson.

“I asked him to get 10 yards if he could catch it,” Albrecht said. “We were already up, but that kind of brought more juice to the game.”

Since its week one loss, Farmington’s offense has averaged 36 points per game while the defense has been dominant with a seven points per game average.

“I think we were trying to do some stuff week one because of what we saw from them defensively, but now we come out and just play to who we are,” Albrecht said. “We’re starting to find our groove a little bit.”

Farmington will have its toughest test of the season when it hosts backyard rival North Farmington Sept. 16.

North Farmington bested Farmington 49-6 back in week one of last year, but it’s a different year and a different Farmington team heading into the game.

“The focal point for this game is really just focusing and not worrying about everything else,” Albrecht said.