Farmersville junior quarterback Sebastian Redwine (10) fakes the handoff to freshman Sam Navaja (3) before throwing a pass during Friday’s 38-6 win over Wills Point. Photo by Tina Lopez / C&S Media
By David Wolman
Farmersville endured its share of growing pains to start the season.
With 10 new starters in the lineup and arguably the toughest non-district schedule since Zac Quinlan took over as head coach in 2022, the Fightin’ Farmers opened the season 2-4. But Quinlan’s message to his players was to keep believing, with more winnable games still ahead.
That belief paid off Friday.
Farmersville built a 21-0 first-quarter lead behind two touchdowns by freshman Sam Navaja and an onside kick recovery. The Fightin’ Farmers never relented, earning a much-needed 38-6 homecoming victory at Farmers Stadium to snap a three-game losing streak.
Farmersville scored touchdowns on each of its first three possessions and received key contributions from its special teams.
Junior Sebastian Redwine returned the opening kickoff 54 yards. Combined with a personal foul and facemask penalty against Wills Point, the return gave Farmersville the ball at the Tigers’ 10-yard line.
The Fightin’ Farmers capitalized with a 6-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Levi McAbee to Navaja. Felix Maldonado’s extra point gave Farmersville a 7-0 lead just 84 seconds into the game.
Farmersville applied more pressure when senior Daniel Mathews recovered the ensuing onside kick inside Wills Point territory. Seven plays later, McAbee ran in from 6 yards out to extend the lead to 14-0.
Redwine took over at quarterback on Farmersville’s third possession and led a near-perfect drive. Navaja finished it with a physical 11-yard touchdown run, aided by his offensive linemen pushing him the final 5 yards into the end zone. The score extended the Fightin’ Farmers’ lead to 21-0 with 3:53 remaining in the first quarter.
Navaja, who returned to action the previous week after missing time with an injury, proved to be a big-play threat for the Fightin’ Farmers. He finished with 153 total yards and two touchdowns while also making an impact on defense.
All the while, Farmersville’s defense turned in its best performance of the season.
Wills Point moved the ball effectively at times, but self-inflicted mistakes and a consistent pass rush helped the Fightin’ Farmers limit the Tigers to just six points. Wills Point didn’t get on the scoreboard until quarterback CC Cunigan connected with Hayes Romell on a 24-yard touchdown pass with six minutes remaining.
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