Faribault Football Turns Back Albert Lea

The Faribault Falcons jumped out to a 21-7 lead over Albert Lea going into the fourth quarter Tuesday night and hung on for a 21-14 win at Bruce Smith Field in Faribault.  The Falcons were quick out of the gate scoring 15 first quarter points and led 15-0 at the half.

With 3:39 to go in the first quarter junior running back Alex Gardner scored on a 17 yard run.  The extra point kick by Nicholas Morillo was good.  Faribault scored again with 1:02 to go in the quarter when Gardner ran the ball in from 11 yards out.  A two point conversion pass was completed by senior Bryce Nolen to senior Dylan Lippert.

The Falcons would make it 21-0 with 9:04 to go in the third quarter when junior quarterback Nick Ehlers scored on a 7 yard run.  Gardner attempted a two point conversion run that was stopped short.

Albert Lea scored with 1:45 to go in the third quarter and 8:13 to go in the game and converted extra point kicks after each score.

Faribault finished the game with 212 total yards, Albert Lea 210.  The Tigers ended up running 61 plays to the Falcons 38.  Passing was difficult in the wind so Faribault finished the game 1 of 4 for 11 yards while Albert Lea was 5 of 14 for 24 yards.

Albert Lea running back Javarus Mucha-Owens rushed for 112 yards on 25 carries while Gardner paced the Falcons with 180 yards on 26 carries.  Owens also led the Tigers in receiving with all 5 receptions for 24 yards.

Lippert led Faribault's defense with 13 total tackles, 9 solo.  Jake Flom added 7.

The Falcons travel to top seed and state ranked Winona Saturday night.