Big Drive Propels FC Past #8 L-A

A year ago, FC (3-0) at L-A (3-0) was a ranked-ranked one-sided affair. The Falcons played without TB/LB Tyson Ristau, surrendered a 35-point second quarter, and fell 45-13. The 2016 re-match had FC maybe re-earning a state ranking. L-A scored first, a Dusty Knutson 4-yard TD run in the second. FC replied just three plays later. Nate Haugerud waited nicely, and made a nice cut, on a 61-yard TD run. L-A led 7-6 at intermission. The second half saw five drives. FC’s first made the L-A 14 (downs). L-A then made the FC six (Caleb Kath interception in the end zone on third and goal). FC then went on big a 12-play drive, overcoming a holding-inspired 1st and 19 from the L-A 22 (offset by a first down securing Cardinal encroachment). On first and goal, Haugerud went around end three yards for FC’s first lead (12-7) early in fourth. L-A then drove to the FC 21, but Knutson fumbled and Riley Means recovered. Three first downs equaled Falcon winners, 12-7 over #8 in AA L-A! FC felled Class A #3 Goodhue last week. Haugerud’s carries were nearly all big (7-97, 2 TDs, three FDs). Means (18-83 rushing, 3-7, 37, INT passing) ran 15 for 85 after halftime. Josh Peters (11-63 rushing) helped a mainly ground FC attack (R 260, P 37, T 297). Knutson (11-88, TD rushing, 7-9, 105, INT passing) led L-A. The Cards had 17 first downs to FC 13. Eleven of FC’s came in second half. Yards were close. Turnovers (2 to FC’s 1) did in L-A. The Falcons (2-1, 3-1) are +6 scoring this year, all games decided in fourth. They’ve played their toughest foes (RP, Goodhue, L-A).